Be With Him, Not Just Near Him

It’s astounding to think that Jesus’ own brothers—who grew up with Him—didn’t believe in Him until after His resurrection. In John 7:5, we read, “For not even His brothers were believing in Him.” These were the same brothers who had seen Him live a perfect life, perform miracles, and speak with divine wisdom. Yet they couldn’t see Him for who He truly was. Even though they were close to Him physically, they failed to recognize His divine identity. Imagine living in the same house as the Son of God and still missing the truth. It shows us that being near truth doesn’t necessarily mean believing it.

Now contrast that with the disciples, who walked closely with Jesus. In Acts 4:13, we read, “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” These were ordinary men by the world’s standards. But what made them stand out wasn’t their education or background—it was that they had been with Jesus. Their lives were transformed by relationship, not proximity.

That’s the key. Jesus’ brothers had proximity. The disciples had relationship. They followed Him, trusted Him, and let Him change their lives. And that made all the difference.

We see this same truth in our world today. Many people are surrounded by the gospel. They hear it preached, they read the Bible, they even attend church. But being near the truth isn’t enough. We’re called to more than just proximity. We’re called to surrender—fully and daily—allowing Jesus to shape and transform our lives.

Just like the disciples, our lives should show that we’ve been with Jesus. This isn’t about being near Him—it’s about walking with Him, letting Him move in our hearts, direct our minds, and guide our actions.

Nothing can replace time spent with Him.

Be with Him—not just near Him.

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

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I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)