How can John 14:22 guide us in sharing the Gospel with others? The Heart Behind the Question “Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said to Him, ‘Lord, why do You intend to show Yourself to us and not to the world?’” (John 14:22) • A disciple feels the tension between private revelation and public proclamation. • The verse uncovers a longing for everyone to know Christ, a longing we share when we witness. • By observing Jesus’ answer in verses 23–24, we see that revelation is linked to loving obedience: “Jesus answered, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’” (John 14:23) Recognizing Christ’s Strategy • Jesus first reveals Himself to committed followers, then shows Himself to the world through them. • Our evangelism flows from a lived relationship, not mere information transfer. • The question in v.22 reminds us to ask, “How will the world see Jesus in me today?” Obedience Opens the Door • Jesus ties manifestation to obedience (v.23). Obedient lives validate the message: “Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words.” (John 14:24) • Holiness is not optional marketing; it is the living evidence of the Gospel’s power. Living Testimony Transmits the Gospel • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” • 1 Peter 2:12: “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that… they may glorify God on the day He visits us.” • Our actions make the invisible Christ visible to the watching world. Personalizing the Message • Judas calls Jesus “Lord.” A surrendered heart precedes effective witness (Romans 10:9). • He asks “why.” Genuine curiosity keeps our witness humble and relatable. • “To us… not to the world” acknowledges privilege. Gratitude fuels urgency in evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:14). Practical Ways to Share 1. Abide daily in Christ’s words (John 15:4). Overflow, don’t manufacture. 2. Share from personal encounter—tell how He “made His home” with you (v.23). 3. Serve visibly—let good works spark Gospel conversations (Titus 2:10). 4. Speak the truth plainly—“We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). 5. Trust the Spirit—He was promised in this discourse (John 14:26) to empower remembrance and boldness. Supporting Scriptures for Confidence • John 17:20—Jesus prays for those who will believe through the disciples’ word. • 2 Corinthians 4:6—“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” • Romans 1:16—The Gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Takeaway John 14:22 nudges us to move from private comprehension to public proclamation, knowing that obedience, love, and Spirit-empowered living are Christ’s chosen means to show Himself to the world. |
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