John 14:22 meaning

In the context of an intimate discourse between Jesus and His disciples, Judas, son of James, asks a poignant question reflecting a misunderstanding about Jesus' intentions and how He would reveal Himself. This moment highlights the disciples’ anticipation that the Messiah would manifest in a public way. However, they struggled to grasp the deeper reality of Jesus' resurrection and the subsequent gift of the Holy Spirit, which would facilitate His presence in a more profound manner among believers, as seen in John 14:22.

Jesus, rather than correcting Judas's misunderstanding, chooses to redirect the conversation towards the importance of love and obedience. He emphasizes that true love for Him is evidenced by obedience to His commandments, which serves as the foundation for an intimate relationship with Him. This response underlines a key theological principle: loving obedience not only signifies one's devotion but also leads to an enriched fellowship with Christ, aligning with the ongoing theme of relational discipleship throughout the Gospels.