City Life Starter

By Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

Interpretation

Jesus had less than a day left as a human incarnate. He spent almost all his adult ministry with his disciples giving them instructions and advice. In this private setting, his disciples got to know Jesus better than they had ever before. He told them plainly who he was and what he wants to accomplish in the world through his followers.

When Judas asked him, why he did not reveal himself and teach everyone in the world what they were being taught, Jesus told Judas that he is teaching specifically to his followers. This is like a last-minute pep talk to His inner circle. The key revelation here is loving and following or obeying are two different things and obedience to call is essential for fellowship with God.

Although the invitation is open to all, fellowship with God is only with those who chose to follow God’s work and not with anyone who claims to love God and do nothing about it. Further, Jesus connects himself with God the Father. He reiterates his sonship again to his disciples to show the seriousness of his mission and ministry and the ministry that his disciples should carry on. He bluntly told them, Father’s love upon humanity is dependent upon their acceptance of Jesus. If they do not listen and obey God’s Son, they will have no part in His kingdom. God’s fellowship with man is conditional upon obedience to God’s work.

Application

God’s love is an open invitation to all humanity, but it only channels to anyone who will choose to follow Him. It is conditional upon obedience to His call. It is easy for anyone to say that one loves God, but it is hard to show obedience to that loving call. God’s love is just an invitation, and it’s just the beginning. If anyone wants to invite God further and want Him to come and dwell in you, then one needs to go a bit beyond loving. One would need to obey and follow God’s word.

Jesus had said this earlier in His teachings. Matthew records this from the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus says:

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ ²³ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 7:21-23

Where are we today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to keep and obey your Word. Often, we claim and profess that we love you, but we fail to listen and keep your Word. Forgive us, give us grace to follow your Word in word and in spirit. Help us to honor you by being keepers of your Word. Come and fellowship with us in our dwelling place. Help us to show our devotion to you in action. In Jesus’ Name, amen.