Daily Devotions
John
A question on the subject of "manifestations"
Text: John 14 : 12 - 31
A QUESTION ON THE SUBJECT OF “MANIFESTATION”
The conversation began with Thomas speaking to Jesus. Then Philip came into the discussion, and now we have Judas (not Iscariot) entering into the conversation as well. The Disciples must have paid close attention to all that Jesus had said, and well they should.
Judas the son of James raised a question concerning the promise Jesus made to the Disciples. He said,
“Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us,
and not to the world?”
John 14:22
That was a good and valid question. This question is related to another one the Disciples had asked Jesus some time back. They were puzzled as to why Jesus seemed to speak to the multitudes using parables.
“And the disciples came and said to Him,
‘Why do You speak to them in parables?'”
Matthew 13:10
Jesus gave them this reply,
“Because it has been given to you to know
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,
but to them it has not been given.
For whoever has, to him more will be given,
and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have,
even what he has will be taken away from him.
Therefore I speak to them in parables,
because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear,
nor do they understand.”
Matthew 13:11-13
The multitudes had forfeited the privilege that was specially given to them. They had the chance of a lifetime to hear and see the Messiah Himself. However, they took Him for granted at best. And at worst, they had rejected Him. Thus they could not hope to have anything more than parables given to them.
However, if they were really interested in the parabolic teachings of Jesus, they could still be redeemed. They could become faithful followers of Jesus, and they could become His Disciples too. They may not be able to make it into the ranks of the Twelve, but they could still be called Disciples! If they proved themselves faithful in little things, then they would be rewarded according to their faithfulness. If they proved themselves unworthy of trust, then they would not be given further truths.
Judas the son of James needed to know that a similar principle applied with reference to Jesus manifesting or showing Himself to His Disciples.
THE ACID TEST OF LOVE FOR JESUS
Anyone could say that he loved Jesus. However the acid test that Jesus designed was very clear. He said,
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word;
and My Father will love Him, and We will come to Him
and make Our Home with him.
He who does not love me does not keep My words;
And the Word which you hear is not Mine,
but the Father’s who sent Me.”
John 14:23-24
Once again Jesus reiterated His statement concerning love for Him. If there is love for Jesus at all, it must be expressed by the keeping of His Word! Mere words do not prove that the individual truly loves Jesus. The acid test was the keeping of His Word, or commandments (John 14:15).
Jesus insisted that he, who truly loved Him, would also keep His Word. Conversely, he who did not keep His Word in fact demonstrated that he did not love Him at all! Nothing could be clearer!
If a person proved his love for Jesus by making every effort to understand His Word, hide that Word deep in the heart, and then seek to practise it in life, he would be dearly loved by both the Father and the Son.
THE REWARD OF A GENUINE LOVE FOR JESUS
The manifestation of Jesus was one special reward that a true and good disciple may look forward to. However there is more. He may also look forward to the following truth – that the Father and the Son would love to make their home in the heart of the genuine believer!
What a reward that is! The manifestation of Jesus was a reward to the disciple who truly loved Him. Just as understanding of the word was a special blessing, so also was the manifestation of Jesus. This special blessing was not a common gift to be given out indiscriminately to the world. It was reserved for those who had proven that they loved Jesus!
Again and again Jesus returned to the question of how the Disciples were to prove that they truly loved Him. They must keep His Word. They must recognize that the Word Jesus spoke was in fact the very words of His Father. Jesus would never say a word that was outside His Father’s will.
If the Disciples had understood that, then surely they would make every attempt to remember the Word given to them. If the Disciples were to faithfully keep His Word, then they would please the Father and the Son so much, that They would be delighted to make their home with the loving Disciples.
CHECKING OUT OUR LOVE FOR JESUS
Can we really speak of a genuine love for Jesus? That love has one very special expression. It will see us keep His word in our heart. Do you keep His Word in your life?