5TH WEEK OF EASTER

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? Wouldn’t it have been more efficient for him to reveal himself “to the world” in a big way (John 14:22)? 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 everyone at once in one grand spectacle?

There’s no doubt that Jesus loves every single person and wants everyone to come to know him. But just as he did 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, heroic Lord, he quietly 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 relationships with them—relationships that taught them to love as he loved and that turned them into living examples of his mercy.

Jesus is still using the same strategy today. He is revealing himself “to the world” through relationships—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’s in our simple, everyday acts of love that Jesus can shine through the brightest.

Of course, we know that we aren’t perfect. We know that we don’t 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!

“Jesus, reveal yourself more fully to me so that other people can come to see you more clearly.”

Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26