DCLM Daily Manna

Monday, November 16, 2026

Known, Yet Unknown

KEY VERSE
“Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also” (John 8:19).

Bible Reading:
John 8:12-31 (KJV)

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

MESSAGE

When Blaise Pascal, the brilliant 17th-century philosopher and Christian thinker, encountered the living Christ, he recorded in his journal a single word repeated twice: “Fire. Fire.” Though a lifelong Catholic and theological debater, it was not until that encounter that he truly knew the Christ he had long spoken of. His notes that night began with this line: “From about half-past ten until half past midnight—FIRE.”

It is one thing to know about Christ; it is quite another to know Him. In our key verse, Jesus exposed the tragic blindness of religious men who claimed spiritual insight. They recited the Law, occupied seats of teaching, and adorned themselves with piety, yet they did not recognise the very One whom the Scriptures proclaimed. “Ye neither know me, nor my Father,” He declared. Their knowledge was accurate, but not intimate; theological, but not transformational.

Such is the peril in many pulpits and pews today. Men preach Christ, but do not tremble before Him. Women sing of His majesty yet walk in defiance of His lordship. Entire congregations build ministries around the name of Jesus, while remaining strangers to His presence. Proclaiming a Christ they have never truly met, He remains unknown to them. Spiritual blindness among the religious is not new. The tragedy lies in their comfort in spiritual blindness. One may grow fluent in church language, serve in leadership, even cast out devils in His name, and still hear, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”

Knowing Christ is not mere assent to creeds; it is surrender to His lordship, daily walking in the light of His word. He is not a subject to be mastered but a Sovereign to be obeyed. Let no one mistake familiarity with Christ with faith in Him. Head knowledge about Christ does not translate to heart transformation by Christ. The risen Lord is not impressed with lip service. He delights in those who know Him, love Him, and follow Him in truth.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
You know about Christ. Do you really know Him?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
2 Kings 9-10

COMMENTARY

1. Knowing About Christ vs. Knowing Christ – The Pharisees knew the Scriptures, but they did not know the Christ of the Scriptures. Their knowledge was intellectual, not relational. Many today are in the same position—familiar with Christian doctrine but strangers to the living Christ.

2. The Peril of Religious Familiarity – It is possible to be deeply religious and still be lost. One can preach, sing, serve, and lead in the church while never truly knowing the Lord. Jesus warned that many will say, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?” and He will answer, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22-23).

3. The Example of Blaise Pascal – Pascal’s encounter with the living Christ transformed him. His “Fire, Fire” note was not theological reflection but personal testimony. True knowledge of Christ is experiential—it sets the heart on fire and transforms the life.

4. The Call to Intimate Knowledge – Knowing Christ is not about mastering information about Him but about surrender to His lordship. It is walking in the light of His Word, obeying His commandments, and abiding in His presence. Head knowledge must become heart transformation.

5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Authentic Relationship – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that salvation is not just a doctrine to believe but a Person to know. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to examine whether they truly know Christ or merely know about Him.

About DCLM and Daily Manna

The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and personal relationship with Christ.

DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to know Christ intimately.

Prayer Reflection
Lord, save me from the peril of knowing about You without knowing You. I do not want to be a stranger to Your presence. Reveal Yourself to me in a deeper way. Set my heart on fire with Your love. Help me to surrender to Your lordship and to follow You in truth. I want to know You, not just know about You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.