What happened that you will reveal yourself to us

What happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?

Why did Jesus spend so much time focusing on his closest disciples?  Would not it have been more efficient for him to reveal himself to “the world” in a big way?  He could have summoned political and religious leaders to witness his resurrection in a blaze of cosmic glory that would leave no room for doubt.  Was he possibly missing his chance to reach the whole world in one grand spectacle?

Jesus loves everyone

There is no doubt that Jesus loves every single person and wants everyone to come to know him.  But just as it was when he walked the earth, he has chosen to reveal himself on a small, personal scale.  No grand, once and for all gesture will accomplish what he wants to do, only many daily small ones will make him known.

Think about it.  When God came to us as a helpless baby, he showed that he wanted to be one of us and one with us.  Rather than overpowering humanity as a mighty, cosmic Lord, he quietly connected himself to a family and spent years building relationships with Mary and Joseph and his fellow Nazarenes.  Then when he called his disciples, he did the same thing.  He forged a relationship with them, a relationship that taught them to love as he loved, a relationship that turned them into living examples of his mercy.

Jesus relationships

Jesus is still using the same strategy today.  He is revealing himself “to the world” through relationship, our relationships with the people around us.  Every time we reach out to someone, he is reaching out through us.  Every time we offer someone words of encouragement or understanding, he is speaking through us.  It is our simple, everyday acts of love that Jesus can shine through the brightest.

Now, we know that we are not perfect.  We know that we do not always act as Jesus would have us act.  But Jesus has taken care of even this wrinkle in his plan.  he has chosen to reveal himself in an especially powerful way every time we forgive each other and make amends.

So yes, Jesus is revealing himself to the world, through you!

word among us