Judas, not the Iscariot, and His Question on Jesus' Revelation to the World

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Fifth Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 14:21-26*

*First Reading : Acts 14:5-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16*

*Judas, not the Iscariot, and His Question on Jesus' Revelation to the World*

*1) Who Is Judas (Not Iscariot)?*

This Judas is traditionally identified as Judas son of James, also known as Thaddeus (see Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13). 

He was one of the twelve apostles, but very little is recorded about him in the Gospels.

*2) The Significance of His Question*

The question : *Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”*

This is a sincere inquiry in this question

Judas is puzzled: why would Jesus limit His self-revelation to a small group of followers instead of making a public manifestation to all?

*3) Human Expectations vs. Divine Plan*

Judas likely shared a common expectation among many Jews—that the Messiah would be a public, triumphant figure who would reveal Himself to the whole world in unmistakable power. 

His question reflects this hope for a visible, outward display.

God’s ways often defy human expectations.

Judas's question reminds us how easy it is to expect God to work in grand, visible ways, when He often chooses the quiet, relational, and inward path to transformation.

*4) God Reveals Himself to the Heart That Loves and Obeys*

Rather than answering with a strategy for public revelation, Jesus emphasizes the personal, intimate way in which He reveals Himself—through love and obedience. 

His presence is not forced upon the world but welcomed into the lives of those who choose Him.

Judas's question highlights a spiritual truth: the deepest revelations of Jesus are not broadcast to the masses but given to those whose hearts are open to Him.

*5) The Mystery of Divine Revelation*

Jesus chooses to reveal Himself selectively—not out of favoritism, but because true revelation requires a receptive heart. 

The world may see Jesus outwardly (as a teacher, prophet, or historical figure), but only those who believe and obey see Him inwardly, spiritually, and truly.

Spiritual revelation is not about intellectual ability or public miracles, but about spiritual openness and loving surrender. 

Judas's question points us to this mystery: God chooses to be known by those who seek Him with a heart of love.

*6) An Echo of Evangelistic Desire*

There may also be a subtle evangelistic longing in Judas’s question. 

Perhaps he wishes that everyone could see Jesus, that the world might come to believe. 

While Jesus does not promise immediate public manifestation, His later prayer in John 17 reveals this same desire—that the world may come to know Him through the witness of His followers.

Like Judas, we may ask why Jesus doesn’t reveal Himself more clearly to the world. 

But we must remember that we are now His hands and voice. Through our love and obedience, Christ continues to reveal Himself today.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*