“Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”
The full verse · John 14:22 · KJV
unto , , , is thou unto , unto the ?
Asked by
Judas Not Iscariot: one of the twelve apostles, called Judas the brother of James (Luke 6:16), whom Barnes identifies with Lebbaeus Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3)
Asked to
Jesus: the Son of God and promised Messiah, who had just promised to "manifest myself" to the one who loves Him (John 14:21)
The Scene
At the supper, Jesus had said that the world would see Him no more but the disciples would see Him, and that He would love and "manifest myself" to whoever keeps His commandments (John 14:19, 21).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionJudas could not picture how Jesus could show Himself to some and not to everyone. Barnes thinks he probably supposed Jesus was speaking only of His resurrection, "and he did not readily see how it could be that he could show himself to them, and not be seen also by others." Gill offers several possible readings: that Judas did not grasp what Christ meant, or that he shared the national hope of an earthly kingdom, though Gill leans toward his modesty and sense of his own unworthiness. Matthew Henry offers two readings. Either it shows "the weakness of his understanding" (Henry notes, "So some take it"): "He expected the temporal kingdom of the Messiah, that it should appear in external pomp and power." Or it expresses the strength of his affection: "He is amazed at the condescensions of divine grace."
The Response
What Scripture recordsJesus did not explain the mechanics. He explained the relationship: "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23). And the reverse: "He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings" (John 14:24). The difference between the disciples and the world is not a public display but love, obedience, and God's own dwelling with them.
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsJohn is careful to say this is "Judas... not Iscariot," since the betrayer had already gone out (John 13:30). Luke lists him as "Judas the brother of James" (Luke 6:16). Barnes identifies him with Lebbaeus Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3) and as the author of the Epistle of Jude.
The Greek behind "how is it" is ti gegonen, literally "what has happened." The word "manifest" is emphanizo, which Thayer defines as "to manifest, exhibit to view," and here, to present oneself to the sight of another.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyThis question reveals how God makes Himself known. Judas seems to have expected Jesus to show Himself to the whole world, not only to them. Jesus answered that He and the Father come to dwell with those who love Him (John 14:23). Matthew Henry describes the bond: "love is the root, obedience is the fruit."
The promise is staggering. Not only will Jesus show Himself to those who love Him; the Father and the Son will "make our abode with him." Barnes explains this as God and Christ coming with pardon and peace of conscience. The God whom Philip wanted to see (John 14:8) promises to make His home with those who love His Son.
Look Closer
What had Jesus just said that led to Judas's question?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord Jesus, You promised to make Your home with those who love You; how do You want to show Yourself to me as I keep Your words?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- Judas wondered how Jesus could show Himself to them and not to the world. What do you tend to expect God's presence to look like?
- Tell about a time you sensed Jesus near as you obeyed Him in something small.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Jesus does not show Himself to His people mainly through spectacle. He makes Himself known to those who love Him and keep His words, and the Father and the Son come to dwell with them (John 14:23).
You can bring Judas's question to Jesus too: How will You show Yourself to me? His answer points to love and obedience, not a performance. Keeping His words is not a way to earn His presence. Henry calls love the root and obedience the fruit; they grow together.
Scripture's own application: John 14:23-24
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?”
“Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? How sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”
“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?”
“What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?”