Over the past few days, we’ve explored the gifts of the Spirit through the life of Jesus.

Today, we will focus on the gift of words of knowledge.

Let’s begin by understanding what words of knowledge are.

A word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation – basically, the ability to know certain things about a person or situation that you could not have otherwise known by any natural means.

We see Jesus, our prime example, operating in the gift of words of knowledge on several occasions. For example:

1. The Samaritan woman at the well

John 4:16-19
New King James Version

[16] Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

[17] The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’

[18] for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

[19] The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.

Jesus revealed personal details about her life, details He could not have known naturally. This encounter had a significant impact afterwards.

John 4:28-29, 39
New King James Version

[28] The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men,

[29] “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

[39] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”

It caused the woman to go into the city and tell the people of her encounter, leading many in the city to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.

2. With Nathanael

John 1:47-49
New King James Version

[47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

[48] Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

[49] Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Jesus told Nathanael He saw him under the fig tree before Philip called him. This detail revealed to Nathanael that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Israel.

These examples show how Jesus operated in the gift of knowledge. But maybe you think this was exclusive to Jesus. However, He said:

John 14:12
New King James Version

[12] “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

Jesus is our perfect example. As believers, we are the fullness of Him on earth, revealing God to our world. We are meant to continue His works and even do greater.

This gift is not just for pastors, apostles or so-called ‘special forces’ Christians. As a believer, you can manifest it. The Holy Spirit, who is the source of all gifts, resides in you, meaning that all gifts are within your reach.

I Corinthians 12:4-6
New King James Version

[4] There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

[5] There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

[6] And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

To function in this gift, all you need is to earnestly desire it, whilst keeping love and service as your motive.

I Corinthians 12:31
New King James Version

[31] But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The King James Version puts it as ‘covet earnestly’.

1 Corinthians 12:31
King James Version

[31] But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The King James Version says “earnestly covet”. The only time ‘covet’ is used positively in scripture is when it refers to spiritual gifts. Also, the best gifts are the ones done from a place of love. You easily flow in spiritual gifts when love is at the center. It is meant to profit others, not for self-glorification.

I Corinthians 12:7
New King James Version

[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

I Peter 4:10
New King James Version

[10] As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

As with other spiritual gifts, giving words of knowledge is not for showing off. Rather, it is for service to the church. It encourages, comforts, stirs faith in others, and helps them to see that God sees them and is intentional about their lives.

The action point to you today is to operate in this gift. Just as you’ve been excited when you’ve received a word of knowledge, someone else may be waiting to receive one to stir their faith or bring them clarity.

Prayer point
I earnestly desire the gift of words of knowledge, and I function in it from a place of love and service.