Jesus promises to show himself to those who obey him as an act of love:

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

John 14:21

What does that actually mean for a born-again believer and disciple of Christ today? How does Jesus show himself?

The Greek word used for show in this passage is emphanizo, and means to exhibit, appear, declare. It is a variation of the word emphanes, which means to manifest or make visible. Yes, it simply means just what Jesus said.

In other words, “If you honor me, keeping my Word and ways,” Jesus says, “I will show myself to you. I will declare my presence. I will reveal my power and presence in a way you can experience.”

Isn’t that what we long for? To have our faith in Christ rewarded and validated in ways we can experience?

My testimony is that Jesus has been true to this promise in my life.

In four decades of seeking to obey Jesus, aiming to demonstrate my love, He has shown himself in many ways. None of which included him appearing as a glowing figure at the foot of my bed. Or hearing his voice speak audibly to my human ear. No handwriting on the wall.

I’ve had nothing so “visible” as that, yet Jesus has unmistakably shown himself to me. Here are just a few examples:

When Jesus asked me to do something I’ve never done before, or which I thought would be too difficult, He revealed himself by giving me the ability to do it. And to do it so well, I KNEW I wasn’t doing it just in my own strength. I shared some of these stories in this post.

Anytime I’ve said “yes” to Jesus, he has shown up with every grace I needed to carry it out, including insight or understanding about how to do my task. Jesus reveals himself in the physical skill to complete the work wisely and well, beyond whatever I might know or the experience I’ve had.

When I have obeyed Jesus to love others in sacrificial ways, he has shown himself by dispensing real rewards. If I gave money or possessions I wanted or needed to keep for myself, he gave me more — money or possessions. Or arranged for someone to pay off or forgive a debt. It has been famously observed that you can’t out give God, and it is true.

When I have obeyed the Lord by humbling myself to laws or authorities when everything in me wanted to do my own thing, He has revealed himself as the grace to do it with sincerity and fullness of heart. I’ve seen him as I received surprising grace and favor from those I didn’t expect to find it. In fact, I often come out the other side of such a moment with a deeper respect, compassion or understanding of the person I wanted to resist. Even at times, a love for the one I never loved before.

To me that means that in such a moment, Jesus is revealing HIS heart for that person. Letting me see them as he sees them, love them as he loves them, or value them as he values them.

Not the least of how Jesus reveals his presence is the way he fills my heart with real joy as I yield and obey. I can and should choose to do things with a cheerful heart, but I can’t manufacture genuine joy and gladness. Only Jesus can produce those in the ways that often permeate my being.

When I have obeyed the Lord by choosing to forgive that hard thing, he has shown himself in providing the grace to truly let it go. To genuinely release the one who harmed me. He shows himself most completely when my heart discovers new love and compassion for my offender. Because on my own, I’d still be filled with a need to see some justice coming to them.

Jesus has shown himself in these and many other ways. Ways that have demonstrated His true power. That have revealed His heart, both for me and others. That have proven to me distinctly and clearly that Jesus is present.

Showing yourself happens when

You reveal your values.

You add your skills to the task at hand.

You add your voice — your ideas, wisdom and opinions — to the conversation.

You just show up and be there with love and a hug.

Yes, I’ve had that from Jesus too. I can’t explain how, but Jesus has let me know at times that he is truly holding me. I don’t feel his arms about my physical body, but I know it so surely that my body responds and relaxes into that experience. Not because I wished it would happen, not because I convinced myself Jesus was holding me, but because he showed me he was.

His Spirit revealed it to my human spirit, and I knew.

Jesus wasn’t kidding: He shows himself to the one who lives to honor and love him.

Don’t just take my word for it, Beloved. Find out for yourself.