A devotional on eternal life may surprise you with Jesus’ own definition. In John 17:3 (ESV), he prays, And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Eternal life is not just endless time. It is a relationship with God that begins now.
Key Verse
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, ESV)
Jesus’ Prayer
John 17 records Jesus’ longest prayer, offered on the night before his death. He prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all who would believe through their message. That includes us. Near the start, he gives this definition of eternal life.
It is remarkable that in his final hours, Jesus wanted his followers to know what life is really about.
Quality, Not Just Quantity
We often think of eternal life as something that starts after death and goes on forever. That is true, but Jesus goes deeper. Eternal life is knowing God. It is a quality of life as much as a length of life, the life of the age to come breaking into the present.
This means believers already have eternal life now. It begins the moment we come to know God through Jesus.
Knowing, Not Just Knowing About
The word know in Scripture often means personal, relational knowledge, not just information. You can know facts about a famous person without knowing them. Jesus invites us into real relationship with the Father through him. We grow in this knowledge through prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience, and fellowship.
Knowing God is not reserved for experts. It is open to anyone who comes through Jesus.
Life Worth Living
If eternal life is knowing God, then the most important thing you can do today is spend time with him. Many good things compete for our attention, but none of them is life itself. Make space today simply to know him more.
This also reshapes how we think about the future. Heaven will not be a reward separate from God. It will be the fullness of the very relationship that eternal life begins today. The more we know him now, the more we will long for that day.
Today, Try This
Spend ten minutes today reading John 17, noticing what Jesus reveals about the Father and about his love for you.
Reflection Question
Is your relationship with God more about knowing facts or knowing him personally?
Prayer
Father, thank you that eternal life is knowing you and Jesus Christ whom you sent. I do not want to merely know about you. I want to know you. Draw me closer each day. Let my life be filled with your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John 17:3 mean?
In John 17:3 (ESV), Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. Eternal life is not only endless existence but a personal relationship with God that begins now and lasts forever.
Does eternal life begin now or after death?
According to John’s Gospel, eternal life begins now for those who believe in Jesus. It continues through death into the resurrection and the age to come, where believers will know God fully.
How can I know God personally?
You come to know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ, who reveals the Father. Relationship grows through prayer, reading Scripture, worship, obedience, and being part of a community of believers.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel of John study
- Read more daily devotionals
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