Jesus Christ and Relationship: Why He Calls a People to Himself

From the Series: The Biblical Jesus and His Bride

_{Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version®.}
^{Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.}

Salvation is not just a goal to reach. Jesus Christ does more than save people from judgment; He invites them into a relationship with Himself. While false christs gather crowds, the true Christ forms a people who belong to Him. “You shall be My people, and I will be your God.” (Jeremiah 30:22, NKJV). This is the language of covenant, which Jesus fulfills and embodies. Eternal life is not a status or a certificate. Jesus explains it like this: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3, NKJV). In Scripture, “know” is about a personal, covenant relationship, not just head knowledge.  

But how can we truly know Christ in our daily lives? It begins with seeking Him intentionally. Setting aside time each day to pray, reading the Gospels and listening to His words, and worshiping with a sincere heart are practical ways to draw near to Him. By bringing our concerns to Him in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and spending time in quiet reflection, we open our hearts to know Him more deeply. These simple daily practices help us move beyond information about Jesus and cultivate a living relationship with Him.  

False gospels make salvation about escaping hell or gaining blessings, but Jesus says it is about knowing Him.

If you look at the Gospels, Jesus never tells people to adopt a certain worldview, follow a set of rules, or join a movement. Instead, He says, “Follow Me.” (Matthew 4:19, NKJV). Being a disciple is not about following an idea, but about being connected to a Person. He invites, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV). False christs direct attention away from themselves, but Jesus draws people to Himself because He is the source of life.

Jesus talks about His relationship with His people like a shepherd with his sheep: “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14, NKJV). This relationship goes both ways. He knows His people completely, and they recognize His voice: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NKJV). False christs use pressure, fear, or showy displays, but Jesus calls, and His people answer Him freely.

Having a relationship with Christ means being set apart. Jesus prayed, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16, NKJV) and also said, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV). This does not mean cutting ourselves off from others, but having a unique identity. In practical terms, being ‘set apart’ can look like showing honesty and integrity at work, even when it is costly, serving coworkers with kindness rather than competition, and forgiving those who wrong us. In families, it may mean prioritizing time together and showing sacrificial love, or speaking gently when tempers flare. In our communities, it can take the form of caring for those who are overlooked, seeking reconciliation instead of division, and choosing hope over cynicism. These everyday choices reflect a heart that belongs to Christ and stand out from the usual patterns of the world. While false christs try to fit in to gain power, Jesus creates a people who belong to a different kingdom.

This distinct identity is rooted in covenant. At the Last Supper, Jesus declared, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:20, NKJV). Covenants define relationships, and this new covenant includes forgiveness of sins, a transformed heart, and God dwelling with His people.

“I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Hebrews 8:10, NKJV) is not just a figure of speech. It is about truly belonging.

Jesus is clear: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV). Obedience does not earn a relationship; it grows out of it. False christs demand obedience to stay in charge, but Jesus inspires obedience through love. Acts such as forgiving those who wrong us, quietly serving someone in need, or giving generously without expecting anything in return are ways that loving obedience appears in daily life. Simple actions—like speaking truthfully, offering encouragement, or choosing patience over anger—reflect a heart responding to Christ’s love. These are not burdens but natural fruits of knowing Him.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NKJV)

The first Christians did not see themselves as part of a religion. They saw themselves as people who belonged to Christ. The Epistle to Diognetus says Christians live in the world but belong somewhere else. Ignatius of Antioch often called believers those who “are in Christ,” and martyrs did not say, “I follow Christianity.” Instead, they said, “I belong to Christ.” This relationship gave them courage when they suffered and joy even in death.

Today, we also face times of difficulty, uncertainty, and pressure to conform. Just as belonging to Christ gave the early Christians the strength to endure, it can give us courage in our own challenges. When we remember who we belong to, we can find comfort in loss, stand firm when our faith is questioned, and act with love even when it is hard. Their example reminds us that our identity in Christ is not just our history but also our hope and source of boldness now.

The Church is not just an organization started by Christ. It is the people He calls to Himself. If Christ were not relational, the Church would become just an institution, faith would be routine, and obedience would be about rules. But because Christ calls people to Himself, the Church is a living, loved, and redeemed community.

Living as a redeemed community means fostering real relationships marked by mutual care, encouragement, and practical support. This can happen when members pray for one another, share their needs and joys, and look for ways to serve each other, both in times of crisis and in everyday life. Regularly gathering in small groups to study Scripture, eat together, and share honestly helps build trust and deeper friendships. Welcoming newcomers, reaching out to those who may feel isolated, and offering forgiveness when conflict arises all make the love of Christ visible. Acts of kindness, bearing each other’s burdens, and celebrating together in seasons of joy allow the church to reflect the grace it has received. When each person uses their gifts to serve and encourage others, the church grows closer as a family and truly embodies being a living, loved, and redeemed community.