How to Know Jesus Deeply: 7 Simple Ways to Grow Closer to Him

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
— John 17:3 (KJV)

You can know a lot about Jesus and still feel far from Him. Maybe you grew up in church, you know the stories and the songs, but your heart quietly asks, "Is there more than this?" Or maybe you're new to faith and you're not sure where to begin.

Here's the good news: Jesus wants to be known. He didn't come only to give us rules or information. He came to bring us into a real, living relationship with Him. He says, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10:14). Knowing Jesus deeply isn't a reward for super-spiritual people. It's an invitation for everyday believers, including you. Here are seven simple, grace-filled ways to grow closer to Him.

1. Start With the Gospels

If you want to know someone, you spend time with them and listen to their story. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) let you watch Jesus up close: how He speaks to the broken, touches the untouchable and welcomes the outsider. John tells us why they were written: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31).

Try this: read one chapter of John each day for 21 days. After each chapter, ask one question: "What does this show me about Jesus?" Jesus said, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). As you see Him, you'll see the heart of God.

2. Look for Jesus in All of Scripture

After His resurrection, Jesus walked with two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). The whole Bible points to Him.

When you read the Old Testament, look for Jesus in the promises, the pictures and the prophecies. The Psalms are full of Him. If you'd like a place to start, read Jesus in the Psalms: Powerful Prophecies About Christ Hidden in Plain Sight.

3. Talk to Him Like a Friend

Prayer doesn't need fancy words. Jesus said, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends" (John 15:15). Friends talk honestly, about big things and small things.

Try this: tell Jesus what's on your mind before you check your phone in the morning. Thank Him while you make coffee. Ask for His help in a hard conversation. Short, simple prayers through the day build closeness. For more on this, see How to Pray Without Ceasing.

4. Sit at His Feet Before You Serve

When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, Martha was busy serving while Mary "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word" (Luke 10:39). Jesus gently told Martha, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42).

Serving Jesus is good, but it flows best from time with Him. Set aside even ten quiet minutes a day with an open Bible and no agenda. Read slowly, pause on a verse that stands out, and simply be with Him. A guided devotional like 31 Days With Jesus can help you build that daily rhythm.

5. Receive His Love Before You Try to Earn It

Many believers stay at a distance because they feel they haven't done enough. But knowing Jesus starts with receiving, not performing. Paul prayed that we would "know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:19).

Jesus invites the tired and the weighed down: "learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29). When you fail, run to Him, not away from Him. His love for you was settled at the cross, and it doesn't change with your good days and bad days.

6. Worship Him Through the Day

Worship turns our attention from our problems to His goodness. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" (Psalm 100:4). Put on worship music while you drive, cook or wind down at night. Sing to Him, not just about Him. Over time, worship becomes a doorway into His presence wherever you are.

7. Ask the Holy Spirit to Reveal Jesus

You don't have to figure this out on your own. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help us know Him: "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:14). Before you read your Bible, pray a simple prayer: "Holy Spirit, show me Jesus today." Then expect Him to answer.

And remember the promise of James 4:8: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." Every small step toward Jesus is met by His great love toward you.

Lord Jesus, I don't just want to know about You. I want to know You. Open my eyes as I read Your Word. Teach me to talk with You like a friend and to rest in Your love instead of trying to earn it. Holy Spirit, show me more of Jesus every day. Draw me close, and keep me close. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep going

Want a little help building a daily rhythm with Jesus? These resources were made for exactly that:

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