Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, ”But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
Judas asks an interesting question here. This whole chapter in John’s gospel has been about Jesus’ last instructions to his disciples. Throughout this study of John’s gospel, we have repeatedly noted that Jesus speaks as one who is not from around here meaning not from earth. The disciples have a hard time getting their head around the reality that Jesus is God. Yet even when they get that part right, they still do not understand what that means.
Why wouldn’t Jesus show himself to the world?
Judas bases his question on a false premise. He assumes that “the world” sees things the same way those who believe in Jesus see them. This is most certainly not true.
Those who believe in God base everything on the premise that God exists and that there are eternal consequences for our choices in this life. “The world” consists of people who do not believe in God and judge by what they get in this life instead of what awaits them after this life.
Since the world does not accept that God exists, they can look straight at Jesus and not see him. At least for who He is.
Before his crucifixion, Jesus could be “seen” by believer and unbeliever alike. The difference is that the unbeliever only sees a human body. The believer sees an eternal God in human form.
After his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus is still visible to those who believe. But not in a worldly sense. Jesus does not intend to show himself to the world because the world would not be able to see Him.
Let’s Discuss: Believers see two worlds, the spiritual and the physical. Unbelievers only see one. How do we resolve this difference in vision?
I think any resolution between a believer’s world view and an unbeliever’s world view hinges on the person of Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. The only way to resolve the difference is to see and acknowledge Jesus for who He is.
I agree with Rich, without the acknowledgement of God it is impossible for the world views to be resolved. At the same time I think there is a place for discussion – there is clear evidence of God as Romans points out. I believe there is value to philosophy and apologetics when talking with non-believers.
Thank you both for your thoughts this morning! Certainly Judas (NOT Iscariot 🙂 ) has put his finger on a critical question. Everything hinges on Jesus as Rich says. Proper philosophy and apologetics can provide a foundation for the bridge to acknowledging Jesus. Lots to think about here.
Another thought…
It seems to me that there is an over-riding context here that is important. John talks about “love” often. We are to love God and our neighbor. Apologetics and philosophy can provide guideposts for the nonbeliever, but the actual bridge to belief is built on love. In that sense, the better we convey God’s love to the nonbeliever, the more open they will be to our philosophic and apologetic offerings.
That is a very good and important point. Love is a bridge. It is better to show God’s love than only to talk about it.