When we are born again, we receive eyes of faith. We first see Jesus as the light–our Lord and Savior: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:16). Next, we see Him through His Word. Speaking of the Scriptures, Jesus said, “These are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). Through the power of the indwelling God, we begin to grow and mature, to develop eyes of faith, as we “do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

LIFT UP …
Lord, I want my heart to be Your home. Thank You that You have promised to dwell in my heart forever. Amen.

LOOK AT …

In John 14:22–24, a disciple named Judas (not the traitor) asked how Jesus could reveal Himself to them but not to the world. Jesus offered insight for seeing into the spiritual realm: love and obedience. Do you want to see into the secret things of God? Make your heart a special habitation for Him. When you do that, He will allow you to see things His way.

Read John 14:22–24

Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

Jesus answered and said to 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. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.”

1. Restate Judas’ question in your own words.
2. Describe what Jesus promised those who love and obey Him.
3. .How would those who do not love God show themselves?
4. Why do you suppose it’s impossible to love Jesus without obeying Him
5. What did Jesus reveal about the words He spoke?
6. How would you react if someone brought words directly from the Father to you?

LIVE OUT

1. Judas was confused about seeing Jesus again. In the following passages, describe whether Jesus literally or metaphorically kept or will keep His promise to manifest Himself to believers: Job 19:25–26, Matthew 5:8, Matthew 18:2, Mark 13:2 and Luke 24:13–35. ?
2. In Revelation 3:30, Jesus made a promise to the church at Laodicea. Compare this promise to John 14:22–24. Do you experience this “indwelling”? If so, describe what it’s like for you. If not, now is the perfect time to start! Open your heart to Jesus and ask His forgiveness for the things that have distanced you from Him.
3. Jesus eagerly spoke the Father’s words. (a) According to Proverbs 3:5–6, what makes speaking God’s Word safe? What might happen if you are not faithful to His Word? (b) Have you ever found yourself in a situation when you relied on God’s Word rather than your own? If so, describe how it helped you.

Judas is one of the lesser-known followers of Christ. Not much is known about this man who bears the same name as the betrayer. Luke 6:16 calls him “the son of James.” Early church tradition says he preached in Assyria and Persia and died as a martyr like the other apostles.

Jesus didn’t treat him as an interruption. He responded to Judas with as much respect as He did Peter, James or John. Judas’ question helps open our eyes to the spiritual world. When Christ spoke of His disciples seeing Him again, He wasn’t merely talking about the here and now. He was talking about a time soon to come (His resurrection) and a time far in the future (the Second Coming). He also gave us new insight into the indwelling God.
Aren’t you glad Judas asked the question?

You may relate to Judas. Maybe you’re more reserved than some of your Christian friends. Jesus sees and hears you. He listens to all of your questions and will talk to you as He talks to a friend. No one is “lesser” in the Kingdom of God. d:

Lenya Heitzig is a Bible teacher and author. She and her husband, Skip, started Calvary of Albuquerque, one of the fastest growing churches in the country. Penny Rose is also a Bible teacher and is a co-author of several Bible studies, including the “Fresh Life Bible Study Series,” which she wrote with Lenya. Penny’s husband, Kerry, is a pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque.