John 14:22-24 Judas said to him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?… What a blessed Master Jesus Christ was! How familiar did He allow His disciples to make themselves with Him! He was none of your dignitaries who pride themselves on that dignity; but He talks to His disciples just as a father would to his children — even more kindly than a master might to his pupils. Here is — I. A GREAT FACT: that Jesus Christ does reveal Himself to His people, but He does not unto the world. The fact is implied in the question, and there are many who have a Bible of experience — which teaches us that it is true. 1. The favoured people to whom Jesus Christ manifests Himself. "Us." It appears that they do not belong to the world. They are men who are not worldly in principle, in action, in conversation, in desires, in object, or in end. 2. Special seasons of manifestation. "When." These highly favoured men do not always see Jesus Christ alike. There are special times when God is pleased to reveal Himself to His people. (1) Times of duty. I never found a lazy or indifferent Christian have a manifestation of Jesus Christ; I never heard one who gave himself wholly to business talk much of spiritual manifestations. Those who do but little for Christ, Christ does but little for them in the way of special favours. The men who are the most zealous for their Master discern the most of His loving kindness, and enjoy His richest blessings. (2) In seasons of trial. Do not complain then; for it is in the time of trouble we see most of Jesus. Previous to trial you may generally expect a season of joy. But when the trial comes, then expect to have delight with it. 3. The wondrous display. Jesus manifests Himself. There are many manifestations of God to His children; but this is the most precious of all. He does this in different ways. You have seen Jesus with the eye of faith hanging on the cross. At other times you have had a manifestation of Christ in His gifts. Then, again, you will see Him in His triumph. 4. The effects of this manifestation. (1) Humility. "God has respect unto the humble, but the proud he knoweth afar off."(2) Happiness: for he must be happy who lives near to God. (3) Holiness. Some men profess a great deal; but do not believe any man unless you see that his deeds answer to what he says. II. AN INTERESTING INQUIRY. 1. It was suggested by — (1) Ignorance. Judas thought: "If we see Him the world must see Him too. (2) Kindness. He wanted it all to be given to everybody. Ah! we never need be more benevolent than God. (3) Love to his Master. He wished Christ's dominion might be universal. (4) Admiration. "Who are we that we should have it?" 2. The answer. The question was not answered; for it was unanswerable. Is it not enough that He should do so? (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? |
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