WHICH JESUS DO YOU KNOW — THE RELIGIOUS JESUS OR THE REVEALED JESUS

Introduction

Praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Many people claim to know Jesus—but which Jesus do they know? Is it the religious Jesus they were introduced to through tradition, family, or church culture? Or is it the revealed Jesus, the one personally made known to them by the Holy Spirit?

This distinction is critical, not only for our spiritual maturity but also for our ability to walk in the authority and power Jesus promised. Let’s explore this through the life of Peter, whose journey shows the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him through revelation.

1. THE RELIGIOUS JESUS — Secondhand Faith

Peter’s first encounter with Jesus came through the testimony of his brother, Andrew:

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.”
— John 1:40–42 

Here, Peter believes in Jesus because someone else told him. This is an example of religious knowledge—faith that is rooted in tradition, human testimony, or religious teaching, not in personal spiritual experience.

2. THE REVEALED JESUS — Spirit-Born Faith

Later in Peter’s journey, something shifts. In Matthew 16, Jesus tests His disciples’ understanding of His identity:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 16:15–17 

This moment marks Peter’s spiritual awakening. The truth about Jesus isn’t just something he’s been told—it’s now something personally revealed to him by God. This is the work of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2:10–12).

3. THE FRUIT OF REVELATION — Authority and Purpose

Once Peter receives this divine revelation, Jesus gives him spiritual authority:

“I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
— Matthew 16:18–19 

Peter receives authority (“the keys”) only after the revelation of Jesus’ identity. This shows us that spiritual authority flows out of revelation, not religion.

4. WHY MANY BELIEVERS FEEL POWERLESS TODAY

Today, many Christians struggle with spiritual dryness or lack of impact. Often, it’s because they’ve only known the religious Jesus—not the revealed Jesus. They have doctrines, sermons, and traditions, but not the living encounter with Christ that the Spirit offers.

As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:5 

“…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

5. HOW TO RECEIVE THE REVEALED JESUS

So how do we move from religion to revelation? It begins with surrender.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23 

Steps Toward Revelation:

• Lay aside religious pride and traditions that replace intimacy with Christ.
• Seek God in humility, acknowledging that head knowledge isn’t enough.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus personally to your heart.
• Spend time in Scripture and prayer, not for routine, but for relationship.
• Be open to God correcting false assumptions and deepening your understanding.

Jeremiah 29:13 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

So again, let’s ask ourselves honestly:

Which Jesus do I know? The one I’ve heard about—or the One who has been revealed to me by the Spirit?

May the Lord open the eyes of your heart to see Jesus clearly and personally.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
— Ephesians 1:17 

Print this post