February 26, 2021
John 14:22-24, "Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “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. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
Notice that the name Judas is followed by a parentheses; this has not been added by me, it’s actually in the original text. John wanted to make sure we distinguish between these two apostles. And you might be thinking, “Were there two guys named Judas?” Names in this context are complex - as an individual could be known by two different names depending on the language being spoken, Greek or Aramaic, and they can also be called by a surname carried down from family to family. This Judas asking the question is not Judas Iscariot, who rebelled against Jesus, but rather Thaddeus, who also goes by the name Jude, or Judas, not to be confused with the Jude who wrote the letter of Jude in the New Testament.
The person asking the question gives us clues to his intent here. Thaddeus was of the political faction of Zealots, governed by a highly entrenched Jewish nationalism. Thaddeus, like many of the Jewish followers of Jesus, wanted him to start a political revolution, freeing Israel from Roman rule. You get the sense that Thaddeus is seeking clarity as to why Jesus is not interested in making himself more of a public figure to contend for popularity so that the revolt would be supported by Israelites. Jesus reiterates his message here in saying that to illumination about Christ and God the Father comes not in political power, acceptance by the world’s standards, but rather by obedience to the commands of God. Those who follow Jesus and obey his Word will be known by God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to have a faith in you that is not just about my own goals and agendas. Help me to follow your will for my life and to carry out your purposes in the world. Your aims for renewal, reconciliation, and justice in our communities are large and let me play my part in integrity, compassion, and truth. And let me not get discouraged when I do not see light. Help me to be faithful in my own space, bold when opportunities arise, and always at peace with who you have made me to be. Amen.
40 Days of Joy: Wendell Berry writes some excellent poetry. Here is one of his works read by the author and animated for our delight! Enjoy the peace of wild things!
