We often form one-sided relationships with people we see on TV or online, even though we’ve never met them. This is called a parasocial relationship.
Now, think about your relationship with Jesus:
Is it a real, personal relationship, or is it more like a parasocial relationship?
Parasocial Relationships:
Definition (from dictionary.com) - A parasocial relationship refers to a relationship a person imagines having with someone they do not actually know, such as a celebrity or fictional character.
Parasocial relationships are one-sided. We feel like we know someone because we see them on TV or listen to their podcasts, but we don’t actually know them personally.
Fill-in-the-Blank: Parasocial relationships are
1 - The Illusion of Knowing Jesus
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” —Matthew 7:21-23
(Jesus warns that it’s possible to do religious things and still not truly know Him.)
Jesus desires a personal relationship with us, not just religious activities or knowledge.
Are you truly known by Jesus, or are you living in an illusion of faith?
Does Jesus recognize you as one of His own?
Fill-in-the-Blank: Jesus wants a personal relationship with us, not
2. Are You Watching or Following?
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” —James 1:22-25
(Don’t just listen to the Word—live it out.)
Hearing about Jesus from a distance or attending church without responding is like watching from the sidelines. True followers live out His teachings.
Are you actively following Jesus, or are you a spectator?
Fill-in-the-Blank: True followers of Christ don’t just listen—they
3. Surrendering to Jesus’ Command
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’” —Luke 9:23-25
(Deny yourself and take up your cross daily.)
Being a follower of Jesus means surrendering your desires and fully committing to His mission. It’s like being a soldier—you follow the orders of your commanding officer.
Are you willing to deny yourself and fully surrender to Christ’s mission?
Fill-in-the-Blank: Being a follower of Jesus means surrendering your own
4. Have You Been Enlisted, or Are You Living the Illusion?
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” —2 Timothy 2:3-4
(No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits.)
There is a cost to being enlisted in Jesus’ army. A soldier doesn’t get distracted—they are fully committed to the battle. True followers are fully engaged in the spiritual war.
Have you truly been enlisted into the war of faith, or are you living in an illusion of faith?
Fill-in-the-Blank: A soldier doesn’t get distracted—they are fully committed to the
The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22)
The rich young man asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Although he knew all the commandments, he wasn’t willing to give up his wealth and follow Jesus.
What are you holding onto that prevents you from fully following Jesus?
Fill-in-the-Blank: The rich young ruler walked away because he wasn’t willing to give up his
As we’ve explored today, knowing Jesus isn’t about a distant relationship—it’s about a true, active relationship with Him. This bread and cup remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice—the cost of our salvation. Take this time to reflect on whether you’ve truly been enlisted or are still watching from the sidelines.