In knowing Jesus better

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like… (Matthew 13:24 NIV)

 The parables Jesus told and the episodes of His life reveal that He is surprising, He is comforting, He shakes our preconceived ideas, He doesn’t pull His punches, and He continually defies our set positions.
 Jesus speaks the truth in love, He doesn’t show favoritism, He is compassionate—but at the same time, He upholds the highest standards. Jesus is tough, but at the same time His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
 Pausing to reflect on how the passages from the Gospel can be related to my own life has been a key. Within the teachings of Jesus you can find the basis of all ethics.
 Following them is just good sense. I find that as I prayerfully read the Gospels, I tend to find Him more in my daily dealings. And as I know Him better, I certainly want to talk more about Him to others.
 In knowing Jesus better, I draw closer to God the Father, because through Jesus, we have access to God and share the same intimacy that Christ has with His Father. “Then you will know that I am one with the Father. You will know that you are one with me, and I am one with you.” —Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso [1]

Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord.—J.I. Packer

[1] Activated Vol 21, Issue 9