John 8:55 – “Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is continuing His confrontation with the religious leaders. He boldly tells them that they do not actually know God. This is a striking statement because these men were the religious authorities of Israel. They devoted their lives to studying the Scriptures and following religious traditions, yet Jesus declares that they are spiritually blind to the true knowledge of God.

Jesus then makes an exclusive claim about Himself—He does know God, in a way that no one else does. This isn’t just an intellectual knowledge; it is a deep, personal, and intimate relationship with the Father.

Finally, Jesus makes it clear that He is not afraid to speak the truth. If He were to deny His relationship with God, He would be a liar just like them. But instead, He stands firm in His claim: He knows God and obeys Him perfectly.

This verse is a direct rebuke to the religious leaders who claimed to be followers of God but rejected the very One whom God had sent.

Historical Context

The religious leaders prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law and the traditions of Moses. They believed that their religious heritage made them right with God. However, Jesus exposes their spiritual blindness. Despite all their learning, they did not truly know God—because if they did, they would recognize Jesus as the One sent by Him.

Jesus’ statement that He knows and obeys God’s word is also significant. Unlike the religious leaders, whose faith was based on external rituals, Jesus’ relationship with the Father is one of perfect obedience and unity.

This moment is part of an escalating conflict that will ultimately lead to Jesus’ crucifixion. The more He reveals the truth, the more the religious leaders reject Him.

Theological Implications

1. Religious Knowledge Does Not Equal a Relationship with God – The Pharisees knew Scripture, but they didn’t know God personally. Jesus makes it clear that true faith is about a real relationship, not just head knowledge.
2. Jesus Has a Unique Relationship with the Father – No one else can claim to know God the way Jesus does. He is not just a prophet or teacher; He is the Son of God who has always existed in perfect unity with the Father.
3. Truth Must Be Spoken, Even When It Is Unpopular – Jesus refuses to deny the truth, even though it angers His listeners. He sets an example for boldness in faith, showing that we must stand firm in what is right, even when it costs us.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured around a contrast between Jesus and the religious leaders:

• “Though you do not know him” – Jesus directly challenges their claim of knowing God.
• “I know him” – Jesus declares His unique and perfect relationship with the Father.
• “If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you” – Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and their rejection of truth.
• “But I do know him and obey his word” – Jesus describes His perfect obedience to the Father, setting Him apart from them.

This contrast between false religion and true relationship is a key theme throughout the Gospel of John.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
• John 10:14-15 – “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.”
• Matthew 7:22-23 – “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
• 1 John 2:4 – “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to ask: Do we truly know God, or do we just know about Him?

It is possible to attend church, read the Bible, and follow religious practices yet not have a personal relationship with God. Jesus makes it clear that true faith is about knowing and obeying God, not just having religious knowledge.

It also reminds us that standing for truth often comes with opposition. Just as Jesus was rejected for telling the truth, Christians today may face resistance when they boldly declare their faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for people to truly know Him. Jesus did not come to start another religion—He came to bring people into a real relationship with God.

Even though the religious leaders rejected Him, Jesus continued to speak truth to them. This shows God’s patience and His willingness to give people opportunities to turn to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse reveals the uniqueness of Jesus. He does not just claim to know God—He is in perfect unity with the Father. This is a bold statement that points to His divine nature.

• John 14:9 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
• Colossians 1:15 – “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
• Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.”

Jesus is not just another religious teacher—He is the exact representation of God. To know Him is to know God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What is the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him?
2. How can we ensure that our faith is based on a relationship with God rather than just religious tradition?
3. Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus, even though they claimed to follow God?
4. How can we be bold in speaking truth, even when it is unpopular?
5. What does it mean to obey God’s word in daily life?