In the summer of 2014, the world was shocked by the news of Robin Williams’ passing. Known for his humor and the joy he brought to millions, Williams was the comedian who seemed to have it all—fame, success, and a loving family. His roles in movies like Mrs. Doubtfire and Dead Poets Society showcased his boundless energy and capacity for bringing characters to life in a way that touched our hearts. But behind the scenes, Williams struggled with profound loneliness and inner demons. Despite his public persona of being perpetually joyful, he battled depression and a feeling of isolation that many were unaware of. His vibrant on-screen presence masked the quiet struggles he faced in his private life. This tragic event serves as a powerful reminder that we often don’t truly know the depths of another person’s experience, even when they seem to have everything together on the surface.
In John 6, the crowd, particularly the Jews, express their skepticism about Jesus’ identity, asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?” (John 6:42). They struggled to reconcile Jesus’ humble origins with His profound teachings and miraculous works. This moment highlights a common human tendency to view and see a person based on what we know about them and who we think they are. While this passage recounts the doubts of the religious leaders and people of that time, it also invites us to examine our own understanding of Christ. Do we know Christ? Who is Christ to us? Are we too, sometimes guilty of assuming we know him simply because we read the Gospels or have some knowledge about Christ?
Timothy Keller once said, “The problem Christians and non-Christians both have: we think we really know what Christianity is about, who Christ is.” This quote cuts to the heart of a common misconception—that knowing God is merely a matter of accumulating knowledge or following religious rituals. Many of us may have attended Sunday school, grown up and served in church, and familiarized ourselves with the teachings of Christianity. We might assume that this background automatically equates to a deep understanding of Christ. However, Keller’s observation invites us to reconsider this assumption. True knowledge of God transcends intellectual understanding; it is rooted in a living, breathing relationship with Him. It’s not just about knowing facts or doctrines, but about experiencing His presence and love in our daily lives.
In life, it’s all too easy to lose touch with friends and family who live far away or who move to new places. The demands of daily life, work, and other commitments often create a physical and emotional distance that can lead to an inevitable estrangement. Even with the best intentions, when we’re not actively present in each other’s lives, the connection we once had begins to fade. Though we may still know the facts about a person—their history, their likes and dislikes—this knowledge is not the same as truly knowing them. True knowing comes from being in an active, loving, and supportive relationship, where we are involved in each other’s daily lives, joys, and struggles.
Relationships, whether friendships or familial bonds, require ongoing effort and attention. Without this investment, even the strongest of connections can degrade, evaporate, and ultimately disintegrate. Maintaining these relationships means being intentional about staying in touch, making time for each other, and supporting one another through life’s changes. It’s this ongoing commitment that keeps relationships alive and meaningful.
The same truth applies to our faith and knowledge of who Christ is. It’s not enough to simply know the facts and information about Jesus; we must move beyond intellectual understanding and build a deep, personal communion with Him. This relationship is nurtured through a life of prayer, where we open our hearts to God and seek His guidance and presence. It’s about striving to imitate Christ and shaping our lives according to His teachings and example, walking in His footsteps with humility and love. As we seek His presence and immerse ourselves in His love, we forge a relationship based on trust and faithfulness. In this intimate connection, all fear, doubt, uncertainty, and anxiety fade away, replaced by the profound peace and joy that come from knowing we are loved unconditionally. Christ’s immense love fills every corner of our minds, our hearts and every cell in our bodies. This is when we get to truly know, experience and feel Christ.
