John 14:21-27 (NRSV)
Read John 14:21-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21They 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." Verse 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" Verse 23Jesus 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. Verse 24Whoever 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.
Verse 25"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. Verse 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Verse 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Devotion
Today we remember Simon and Jude, two lesser-known disciples, whose appearances are limited almost exclusively to the lists of disciples in the Gospels. They’re not even the most famous disciples of their own names! Simon is overshadowed by Simon Peter, and Jude is overtaken in our memory by Judas Iscariot. Jude does make an appearance of some note during the Passover meal, when he poses his question to Jesus: “Why are you revealing yourself to us, but not to the world?”
It’s a good question, but one without an answer. Jesus Christ came into the world not to know “the whole world” or “everyone,” but to know each person. And that sort of revelation can only happen when an individual is confronted with the word of God. Jesus called obscure folks like Simon and Jude to preach the word. As we think about them today, we hear God’s call to continue that work.
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for knowing each of us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Use us to proclaim Christ to the world, as we heard his Word from those who came before us. Amen.