They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them. Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. -John 14:22-24 NRSV
Judas is struggling to understand how the Messiah will not be revealed to everyone. He is wondering how the ascension to David's throne will not be seen by all in Jerusalem and even in Rome. Like many of his day, and perhaps in ours, the words of Christ perplexes him. Jesus tells him that love is the key that opens the door of our understanding.
God has always revealed himself to those who love. In a sense love is the revelation that opens our inner eyes. The love of my wife opened my eyes so many years ago to the love of God. Love continues to open my eyes in both small and large ways. When a person truly loves they keep Christ's commands. When they love they open a door of revelation.
Come Holy Spirit. Teach me to walk in the ways of love. Reveal yourself to me.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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