‘But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?’
Judas’ question is a good one, isn’t it? Do certain people get special treatment by God? Wouldn’t it be better to reveal yourself to as many people as possible?
Jesus’ answer makes it clear that this isn’t just favouritism. There is a link between revelation and obedience. Let’s be clear, this is not about earning your way to God’s favour: be really good and get brownie points from God! But Jesus is absolutely right to reflect that our obedience is a good test of our love. And those who love Jesus are naturally going to experience the greatest sense of his presence. Jesus comes where he’s invited: ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock.’ He doesn’t force himself in where he’s not wanted. He always respects our free will, our freedom to choose.
If this is more challenging to hear, there are at least two bits of good news in this passage. The first is that we do this in relationship with Jesus, hand-in-hand with him, if you like: ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’ It’s a beautiful image, isn’t it? God comes to make his home with us. Just take a moment to let that thought sink in. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are at home with God – right now.
Second, we’re not left to fathom out obedience on our own: ‘The Advocate… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.’ The Holy Spirit helps us to see what we need to do. Put these two ideas together and what we learn is that Jesus is not a stern schoolmaster with a beady eye watching our every move, enforcing obedience through fear. He is at home with us, encouraging us into life-giving choices, through the wisdom of his Holy Spirit which dwells in us.
Obedience is still hard. But it’s not impossible. God has made his home with us – filled with his presence, may we have grace to live in joyful obedience today.