Believe and Know

SCRIPTURE:
John 6:68-69 NKJV - But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. "Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

OBSERVATION:
In Peter’s response to Jesus’ question in verse 67, we see one of his brightest moments. Jesus asked, “Do you also want to go away?”—and Peter’s reply was based on deep conviction and revelation.

Peter was known for openly speaking his mind—though not always at the right moments. But here, he had discovered something of eternal value: the truth of who Jesus truly was.

Many had walked away—the crowds and even some disciples—when Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” (John 6:35)

They had seen Him only as a provider for their physical needs—someone who could give them bread. That was what they believed they needed in a leader. But Jesus understood that their deeper need was not for natural bread—it was for spiritual bread. He Himself is the Bread of Life.

In Jewish culture, bread is highly valued. It nourishes the soul just as physical bread feeds the body. Bread was (and still is) seen as a symbol of life. So when Jesus declared He was the Bread of Life, He fundamentally challenged their understanding. He was not just a provider—He was the Source of Life.

John 6:33, 35-36 NKJV – “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ... And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. “But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe.

This truth was difficult for many Jews—and still is for many today, both Jews and Gentiles. But the truth remains: Jesus is the source of life—both spiritual and physical.

APPLICATION:
Peter’s response reveals three powerful truths that assist us in accepting this reality:
1. You Have the Words of Eternal Life
Peter understood that Jesus didn’t just speak words of life—He was the Word of Life. Eternal life is found only in Him—purchased through His sacrifice on the cross. You can’t find it anywhere else.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

2. We Have Come to Believe
The word “believe” that Peter uses here suggests he had accepted the truth: Jesus is truly the source of eternal life.

This is the first step toward saving faith—intellectual belief. We understand that what Jesus says is true.

3. We Have Come to Know
The word “know” here means to experience more deeply.

Peter was saying, “We haven’t just believed in theory—we’ve seen it. We’ve lived it.” It shifts from knowing about it intellectually to experiencing it personally—moving from head knowledge to heart conviction and from intellectual understanding to saving faith.

John, the author of the Gospel and of 1–3 John, frequently uses the word "know" in his writings. His goal was for us not only to know Jesus intellectually but also to experience Him personally. Jesus was not just a miracle worker, prophet, or good man—He is the Bread of Life. He is the Savior of the world.

Do you know Him today?

Let your belief turn into experience. Know Him personally. When we reach that point, our lives are forever changed.

 PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You that I can know You—not just intellectually, but also personally and experientially. Like the Psalmist said: Psalm 34:8 (NKJV) - “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Indeed, You are good—and there is no one like You. Thank You not only for saving me but also for inviting me into a relationship where I can get to know You better. As I continue to learn about You, may the lost see that You are good—and come to know You too.