John 14:22

Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, "Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?"

Study Bible

Judas (not Iscariot)
This phrase clarifies the identity of the speaker, distinguishing him from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. This Judas is also known as Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus, one of the twelve apostles. The distinction is crucial, as it highlights the diversity of the disciples and their unique roles. Historically, this Judas is less prominent in the Gospel narratives, yet his question here reflects a deep curiosity and concern for understanding Jesus' mission. His inquiry represents the genuine quest for knowledge and truth that characterizes a faithful disciple.

said to Him
This phrase indicates a direct communication with Jesus, emphasizing the personal relationship between the disciples and their Master. In the context of the Upper Room discourse, this interaction is intimate and profound. The Greek verb "eipen" (εἶπεν) used here suggests a thoughtful and intentional dialogue, reflecting the disciples' desire to comprehend Jesus' teachings fully.

Lord
The use of "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") signifies respect, authority, and recognition of Jesus' divine status. In the Jewish context, calling someone "Lord" was a sign of reverence and acknowledgment of their higher position. For the disciples, addressing Jesus as "Lord" underscores their belief in His messianic identity and divine mission.

why are You going to reveal Yourself
This question reveals the disciples' struggle to understand the nature of Jesus' revelation. The Greek word for "reveal" is "emphanizo" (ἐμφανίζω), which means to manifest or make visible. The disciples expected a more public and worldly manifestation of the Messiah, consistent with Jewish expectations of a conquering king. However, Jesus' revelation is spiritual and personal, intended for those who believe and follow Him.

to us
The phrase "to us" highlights the personal and selective nature of Jesus' revelation. It underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples, who are chosen to receive His teachings and understand His mission. This selective revelation is a theme throughout the Gospels, where Jesus often speaks in parables to the crowds but explains the deeper meanings to His disciples.

and not to the world?
This part of the question reflects a common expectation of the Messiah's role in Jewish eschatology, where the Messiah would be a public figure, bringing salvation and judgment to all. The "world" (Greek: "kosmos") often represents humanity in its fallen state, opposed to God's kingdom. Jesus' response to this question, which follows in the subsequent verses, clarifies that His kingdom is not of this world and that His revelation is for those who love Him and keep His commandments. This distinction between the disciples and the world emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the personal nature of Jesus' relationship with His followers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Judas (not Iscariot)
This Judas is also known as Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus, one of the twelve apostles. He is distinct from Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. His question reflects a desire to understand Jesus' selective revelation.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the passage, Jesus is addressing His disciples during the Last Supper, providing them with comfort and instruction about His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are grappling with the implications of Jesus' impending departure and the nature of His kingdom.

4. The World
In this context, "the world" refers to those who do not believe in Jesus or understand His mission. It represents a broader audience that is not privy to the intimate revelation given to the disciples.

5. The Last Supper
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus shares His final teachings with His disciples before His crucifixion.

Teaching Points

Selective Revelation
Jesus reveals Himself to those who love Him and keep His commandments. This selective revelation is based on a relationship with Him, not merely intellectual understanding.

Understanding Through Obedience
Obedience to Jesus' teachings is a pathway to deeper understanding and revelation. As believers live out His commandments, they experience His presence more fully.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing Jesus to believers. He is the Spirit of truth who guides and teaches us, making Jesus' presence real in our lives.

Contrast with the World
The world, which does not know Jesus, cannot receive this revelation. This distinction calls believers to live differently, as witnesses to the truth they have received.

Intimacy with Christ
Jesus' revelation to His disciples is an invitation to intimacy. Believers are called to cultivate a close relationship with Him, marked by love and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Judas' question in John 14:22 reflect a common struggle among believers today regarding understanding God's selective revelation?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are living in obedience to Jesus' commandments to experience His revelation more fully?

3. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing Jesus to us impact our daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate the difference between the revelation we have received and the understanding of the world?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper intimacy with Christ in our personal lives, and what role does community play in this process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 14:21
This verse precedes Judas' question and emphasizes the connection between love for Jesus and obedience to His commandments, which results in Jesus revealing Himself to the believer.

Matthew 11:25-27
Jesus speaks about the Father revealing truths to the humble and childlike, not to the wise and learned of the world, highlighting the selective nature of divine revelation.

1 Corinthians 2:14
Paul explains that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, underscoring the spiritual discernment required to understand Jesus' revelation.