Whether we like it or not, the world knows a great deal about us. Organisations go to extraordinary lengths to store information about every aspect of our lives so they can lure us into buying their products and using their services. However, although it might not feel like it at times, there are limits to what they know. They can’t see into the deeper recesses of our minds, but there is one who can. In these verses, John reveals that Jesus knew all about the people of his time. Some were responding to his message because of the miraculous things he was doing, but Jesus knew that for many of them, this was a superficial response which would soon evaporate. He understood human nature completely and knew every person’s heart.

When we first hear that Jesus knows everything about us, we might feel concerned and even anxious. We would like to think we have some privacy, and that we’re able to hang on to at least a few secrets, but it cannot be done. However, when we come to realise that Jesus only has love for us and will only ever use the information that he has for loving purposes, we can start to relax. His knowledge of us is nothing like our knowledge of ourselves. We only understand a very limited amount about ourselves, but he knows the whole story. When we put our lives in Jesus’ hands, we are putting them in the most secure and loved place possible.

How do you respond to the fact that Jesus knows absolutely everything about you and, at the same time, loves you perfectly?

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you know me and love me completely. I gladly place my life in your hands. Amen