When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25
This is a widely known detail of the situation with Joseph and Mary — that Joseph did not have sexual intercourse (consummate the marriage) with Mary until after the birth of Jesus. Here the word ‘know’ in Greek is ginóskó meaning properly, to know, especially through personal experience (first-hand acquaintance). ginṓskō (“experientially know”) is used for example in Lk 1:34, “And Mary [a virgin] said to the angel, ‘How will this be since I do not know/ (ginṓskō = sexual intimacy) a man?'”
But here I want to highlight this Greek word ginóskó translated ‘know’ which generally means… I am taking in knowledge, come to know, learn; or: I ascertained, realized. Thinking about this word .. I immediately think about the words Jesus used in Matthew 7 …
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:22-23
Here the word ‘knew’ is the same Greek word as in Matthew 1:25 (ginóskó). Obviously Jesus having the fullness of the Holy Spirit had the revelation of God to actually know them and all of their deeds and words… but it was the real ‘intimacy’ that was missing in the relationship. This isn’t an ‘intellectual’ knowledge but an ‘experiential’ relationship type of knowledge. Just like you can ‘know’ a person by name and face but never really ‘know’ them because you never really have had any real personal experience or time with them.
So many dismiss the experiential aspect of knowing Jesus. I understand that we are not to be guided by our experiences or feelings but by the Word of God via the Holy Spirit. But when the Holy Spirit leads you to an epiphany in revelation by vision, or by dream, or by actual meeting – that is where our faith is made and forged.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
Here the word ‘word’ is the Greek word Rhema. Here is the definition given in Biblehub for rhḗma “(from /rhéō, “to speak”) – a spoken word, made “by the living voice” (J. Thayer). /rhḗma (“spoken-word”) is commonly used in the NT (and in LXX) for the Lord speaking His dynamic, living word in a believer to inbirth faith (“His inwrought persuasion”).” Simply it is the ‘Word’ spoken by the Divine to the individual’s heart / mind / soul.
Our faith is placed into us by an ‘experience’ with Jesus… and ‘hearing His Voice’. The Greek word used here for ‘hearing’ is akoé meaning “properly, hearing; used of inner (spiritual) hearing that goes with receiving faith from God (Ro 10:17), i.e. spiritual hearing (discerning God’s voice; see also Gal 3:2,5, Gk text).” This is us ‘hearing’ Him via our spirit and soul in our inner being. It is by this ‘knowing’ that our faith is established. It is our ‘testimony’.
When reading the scriptures it is wise to understand the differences of the Greek words for “word”. By learning that difference it can make a BIG difference in understanding of the verse in which the type of word is used. Our spiritual armor in Ephesians 6 the sword is the ‘Word of God’, and again here the Greek word is “rhema”. Maybe that’s the difference in the power — which is by ‘personal’ knowledge of the Word given to you by the Divine. Certainly that would make the instances of exorcisms and spiritual warfare be understood in a different ‘light’.
So as we approach this season of celebration of the birth of Jesus — we should also continue in our efforts to ‘know’ Him more. To ‘know’ Him by … experience via the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. We should learn to listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit within us learning how to discern Him in deeper and deeper ways. For He really is our FIRST spiritual teacher and mentor. It is by the revelation from the Holy Spirit that we discern who Jesus really is. And in turn when we accept Jesus as our Lord with our complete surrender to Him that Jesus will baptize us with the Presence of the Holy Spirit when we ask Him.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13
More and more I am hearing and reading of people all over the world having visions and encounters with Jesus — who did not really ‘know’ Him, but were actually of a different religion or ‘faith’. Jesus is FULLY capable of showing up to encounter a person. IF you believe the Bible then you should know Saul’s story of meeting Jesus on the road — and becoming Paul. Jesus will purposely encounter anyone He wants to. Do you want an encounter with Jesus? I sure do. I have had previous ones — which only makes me desire MORE of them. I SO desire to be with Him — in every way possible.
Father come! We SO desire to be with You! Come Lord Jesus! Fill us again Holy Spirit with your Presence in a deeper way!