Faith That Moves Beyond Knowing

As faith moves beyond knowing, John 13 shows that blessing follows obedience, calling us to serve as Jesus served and to live out the truth we profess with humble, visible action.

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).

Many people knew God’s promises—the Law, the Prophets, and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. But Jesus understood that knowing was not enough. In order to receive God’s blessings, faith must be put into action. Rather than just knowing God’s Word, we must do what He says.

Jesus demonstrated this on the night He was betrayed when He washed the feet of every disciple … even the feet of Judas, who was about to betray Him. He asked His disciples a powerful question: “Do you understand what I have done?” (v. 12), then He directed that they “do just as I have done.” They needed to “wash one another’s feet” (vs. 14–15). Blessing would follow … only after they acted.

Earlier, when some questioned His authority and His identity as God’s Son, Jesus told them to look at what He was doing: “If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them … believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father” (John 10:37–38).

To receive God’s blessings, we must put His Word into practice and do the things He’s shown us to do. Don’t be satisfied with merely knowing God’s promises; put these promises into action in your life. Be bold. Declare God’s Word to be true … and step out in faith.

Reflection Question: Are you acting on what you know?