More than knowing about him
You can know many facts about Jesus and still keep him at a distance. The New Testament describes knowing God as a living relationship, made possible through Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke of eternal life in terms of knowing the Father and knowing the one he sent, not simply passing a religious test (John 17:3).
That relationship begins with Jesus taking the initiative. He invites people to come to him, and those who receive him by faith are welcomed into God's family (John 1:12). Knowing Jesus is personal, but it is not private fantasy. It means trusting the real Jesus revealed in Scripture.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Trusting what Jesus has done
At the centre is trust. Christians believe that Jesus died for sinners and rose again, so forgiveness and new life are gifts received through him (Romans 5:8). Nobody earns a place with God by collecting enough good deeds. Salvation comes by grace through faith, leaving no room for boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This kind of faith is more than agreeing that Jesus existed. It is relying on him. Think of it as placing your weight on a chair rather than only saying you believe it can hold you. You bring your need, sin, questions, and ordinary life to Christ.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Turning towards him
Jesus began his public message by calling people to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Repentance means a change of mind and direction. It does not mean pretending you have no struggles. It means bringing your life into the light, turning from what pulls you away from God, and turning towards Jesus.
For some people, that turning point is easy to name. For others, faith grows gradually through questions, prayer, reading the Gospels, and the support of other Christians. Either way, knowing Jesus is not about achieving instant perfection. It is about coming to him honestly and continuing with him.
Learning to follow his voice
Jesus described his people as sheep who hear his voice and follow him (John 10:27). His voice is heard especially through the words and witness of Scripture. As you read about him, pray, and put his teaching into practice, you begin to recognise his character, his mercy, and his call.
Growth has a shape. Love for God and for other people becomes more visible, though never flawless, as a believer learns to obey Christ (1 John 2:3). When you fail, knowing Jesus also means returning to him rather than hiding. He is not a distant subject to master. He is the risen Lord who welcomes those who come to him.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: