"Jordan! It is so good to see you. How are you?"
I turned around quickly as I prepared to engage in familiar conversation with someone I cared for.
"Hey... you! I'm doing well, how are you?"
We exchange dialogue for a bit and then awkwardly walk away, both realizing that I had no idea who she was the entire time.
How often does this happen to you? As a pastor, I meet new people constantly (and forget their names just as fast). There are few things worse than forgetting who someone is when they clearly remember you (pineapple on pizza being one of them). But what about when someone knows who you are without ever meeting them? Let me draw your attention to the Gospel of John:
"When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, 'Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.' 'How do you know me?' Nathanael asked." - John 1:47-48, NIV
Jesus—establishing his public ministry—approaches Nathaniel as He is recruiting disciples to walk with Him. Yet there is something special about their encounter. Something Spiritual.
Jesus. Knew. Nathanael.
As you read this passage, you feel a sense of longing from Nathanel—as if he was searching to be known. I relate to this.
In the middle of my anxiety attacks, I long to feel heard.
In the presence of my depression, I long to feel held.
In the moments of my darkest thoughts, I long to be known.
Known by someone and something that is greater than that which I am facing.
We all desire to be known by someone or something greater than ourselves.
Many times this desire we feel to be known tempts us to seek comfort from other areas.
Porn.
Alcohol.
Sex.
How we dress.
How we look.
Social Media Followers.
Peers.
All of these things will fail you. There is nothing you could ever chase after that will satisfy your known cravings besides Jesus.
In the moments of your strongest insecurities, lean into this truth from Jesus:
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" - John 10:14
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