How does Jesus reveal Himself to those who love Him, per John 14:21? The Heart of the Promise “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” (John 14:21) What “Reveal” Means - Greek emphanizō: to make visible, to show plainly - Not a fleeting impression; it’s a clear, personal unveiling of the risen Christ to the believing heart Love Proven by Obedience - Love is not sentimental alone; it is demonstrated in keeping Jesus’ words (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3 – 5) - Obedience positions the believer for deeper fellowship - Disobedience clouds vision; obedience clears the lens The Father’s Embrace - “Will be loved by My Father” - Covenant affection; the Father delights in those who treasure His Son (John 16:27) - Divine love is not mere sentiment but active favor and nearness Ways Jesus Reveals Himself Today • Through His Word – The Spirit “will guide you into all truth…He will glorify Me” (John 16:13-14) – Scripture becomes luminous; Jesus steps off the page • Through the Indwelling Spirit – “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) – Inner witness, peace, conviction, guidance • Through Answered Prayer & Providential Works – Requests met in unmistakable ways (John 15:7) – Circumstances align so only He could receive credit • Through Sanctifying Transformation – “We all, with unveiled faces, behold…are being transformed” (2 Corinthians 3:18) – The more we obey, the clearer His character shines in us • Through Fellowship with the Body – “Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20) – Christ manifests through spiritual gifts, encouragement, worship • Through Suffering & Dependence – “That I may know Him… and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10) – In weakness we meet His sufficiency Practical Steps to Experience His Manifestation 1. Treasure His commands—read, study, and memorize. 2. Act promptly on what you know; partial obedience dulls sensitivity. 3. Abide daily—linger in Word and prayer until your heart warms. 4. Walk by the Spirit—confess sin quickly; keep channels clear (Galatians 5:16). 5. Engage in Christ-centered community for mutual sharpening (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Watch for His fingerprints in life events; give thanks and testify. The Fruit of Revelation - Growing assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13) - Increasing love for Christ and hatred of sin - Bold witness borne of firsthand knowledge (Acts 4:20) - Deep, abiding joy that circumstances cannot shake (John 15:11) Jesus keeps His word. Love Him, obey Him, and He will show Himself real, near, and glorious. |