John 17 contains one of the most profound statements in scripture. Jesus is praying for his disciples, both those with him and all who will believe through their testimony (that’s us!). He asks for us to have eternal life, and he says, “This is eternal life---that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (verse 3)

To know God is an incredible gift. We can know about God through observation and reason. But to know God requires God’s consent and revelation. That the only true God wants to be known is good news indeed.

Jesus’ prayer gives some details about what knowing God includes: protection, unity, joy, sanctification in the truth, commissioning to be sent into the world, to be “in Christ,” to be with Christ in His glory, and to have God’s love and Christ in us.