The verse from Matthew 25:12 confronts us with a sharp question: what does it truly mean to know when the Lord calls? Jesus does not settle for appearances or a mere verbal response. He reveals that salvific knowledge is born from a transformative communion with Him, a relationship that changes habits, lies, and priorities. In this passage, knowledge is not merely informative, but relational: it is the ongoing revelation of who we are before a God who observes the heart and the gestures.
When the man and woman of God walk in the practice of faith, the knowledge of Christ manifests in obeying the voice of the Shepherd, in abandoning self-reliance, and in persevering in humility. Jesus' response reveals that the bond with the Lord is not measured by external recognition, but by the life that flows from communion with Him: daily repentance, faith translated into actions, mercy offered to the afflicted, and a hope that remains even in the face of judgment. This knowledge transforms the way we treat people, how we discern situations, and how we wait for God’s timing.
Therefore, true familiarity with the Lord is a continuous practice of listening, believing, and obeying. It is not enough to know concepts; it is to live in such a way that those truths become heart habits. May we cultivate a relationship that does not depend on praise or human recognition, but on a communion that shapes us into the image of Christ. And as we prepare for judgment, may we persevere in daily faithfulness, trusting that the saving knowledge is this living relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.