Introduction: Who is Jesus and what is His true identity that He was so bold to say that He knows if you love God or not. Today we are talking about how Jesus’ true identity is connected to Him knowing the intent of your heart.

• • • • • • •

John 5:41-42 “I do not receive glory from men, but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.”

Jesus does not accept glory from humans. Jesus declared that His true identity is not based upon the praise and validation from people. His identity is not based on people rejecting Him either. His entire audience that day was trapped in a system where the opinions and validation of the religious leaders and teachers determined each persons identity. Jesus wouldn’t play that game, and knew this is not how your identity is determined. What Jesus says next is an eye opener.

Jesus says He knows you and your heart intent. How does He know the entire crowd listening to Him? How does Jesus know who loves God and who doesn’t? Only God can see into a person and know their thoughts and heart intent. Jesus boldly declares His true identity. He is God when He says He knows each person in the crowd and He knows the heart intent of each person. He declared publicly that they didn’t love God. If Jesus is God and knows their heart intent, He also knows you and your heart intent. You might be able to fool the people around you, but you can’t fool Jesus.

True identity is based on whether you love God or not. Jesus knew the religious people in front of Him didn’t love Him. They couldn’t fool Him. He didn’t demand their love. It’s something they had to give freely of their own will. Jesus knows you start out not loving Him. Are you willing to freely love Jesus?

Prayer coaching: “Jesus, I willingly come to You. I cannot hide any secrets in my heart from You, because you know me. You know my heart intent. I want to love You. Help me to love You deeply with all my heart and soul and mind.”