The question Jesus posed to his disciples in Caesarea Philippi remains one of the most vital questions we can ever face: “Who do you say that I am?” While the crowds had various opinions—some believed he was John the Baptist, Elijah, or another prophet—Jesus zeroed in on his disciples for a more intimate answer. He wasn’t looking for a survey of public opinion; he was asking for a personal declaration of faith. Peter’s profound response, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” wasn’t just a clever guess. It was a divine revelation.
True Knowledge of Christ is a Revelation from God
Jesus immediately blessed Peter, clarifying that this truth hadn’t come from “flesh and blood,” but directly from God the Father in heaven. This highlights a fundamental truth: true knowledge of Christ is a revelation from God, not something we earn through our own intellect or effort. As Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:25-27, God reveals these truths to “babes,” not necessarily the “wise and prudent” of the world. This revelation has two key components: an illumination of the mind and a supernatural encounter.
Think of Moses at the burning bush. God revealed his name, “I AM WHO I AM,” and Moses experienced his holiness firsthand. The same is true for the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. He was blinded by a light and heard Jesus’ voice, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” These weren’t mere intellectual discoveries; they were life-altering encounters with the living God. Our knowledge of Christ is a combination of what the Father reveals and what we experience in a personal relationship with him.
Our Knowledge of Christ is the Foundation of Our Relationship with Him
All relationships, whether human or divine, are built on knowledge. Adam had to know Eve before he could say, “This is now bone of my bones.” God introduced himself to Moses as “the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” before instructing him. A lack of this foundational knowledge can be catastrophic. The book of Judges records an entire generation that fell away because they “did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” Jeremiah lamented that God’s people were “foolish” because “they have not known Me.”
The good news is that under the new covenant, God promises, “they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.” This profound, intimate knowledge is what the Church’s relationship with Christ is built upon. When Jesus declared, “on this rock I will build My church,” he was referring to the rock of revelation—the personal, divinely-given truth of his identity as the Son of the living God. This revelation is not from the crowd; it is personal and transformative.
Our Knowledge of Christ is the Basis of Our Actions as Christians
What we know of God directly influences how we live. An ignorance of God leads to actions of disobedience and foolishness. Pharaoh’s defiant, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?” led to his ultimate downfall. The corrupt sons of Eli are described as men who “did not know the Lord.” On the other hand, a genuine knowledge of God should be reflected in our daily lives.
The Apostle John states it plainly: “By this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” If we claim to know Christ but our actions don’t align with his teachings, we are not living in the truth. Your personal knowledge of Christ is the most powerful compass for your actions and behaviors every day. It’s not just about knowing facts about him; it’s about being so intimately acquainted with him that your life becomes a reflection of his.
Our Knowledge of Christ is the Power Behind Our Witness
We cannot effectively proclaim what we do not intimately know. The story of the seven sons of Sceva who attempted to cast out demons in Jesus’ name, but without a personal relationship with him, is a stark warning. The evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Lacking a true connection to Christ, they were overpowered.
The apostles, in contrast, were eyewitnesses. Peter’s powerful testimony on the Day of Pentecost was backed by his personal knowledge and experience with Jesus. Paul, though he hadn’t walked with Jesus, had his own powerful revelation on the road to Damascus. His entire ministry was fueled by his singular focus: to “preach Christ crucified” and “Christ Jesus the Lord.” Our witness has authority when it comes from a deep, personal knowledge of the one we are proclaiming.
Conclusion
So, how do we know Christ by revelation? It begins with a freely given initial knowledge of him, which should then ignite a passion to know him more. Like the Apostle Paul, we should be willing to “count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” This journey of knowing him—through divine revelation, personal experience, and intentional pursuit—is not just an intellectual exercise. It is the very foundation of our faith, the compass for our actions, and the authority behind our witness. The question remains: who do you say that he is?
