Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Eleven

I’m guessing most people can’t list the twelve disciples because there’s so many extra names. Thaddeus joins the multiple names’ category. Who is this man who’s also called Judas of James, yes, another Judas, we know nothing about? 

First of all, Thaddeus’ name is a great clue; it means heart or courage which is a perfect fit for the ‘heart of a disciple’. This big-hearted man Jesus chose joined this traveling troupe watching and learning how to ‘do ministry’. He already possessed the heart, but Jesus wanted to demonstrate ministry in action. 

Thaddeus’ second name is Judas of James (used only by Luke) and it’s not hard to figure out why Matthew and Mark didn’t want to use this name: Judas Iscariot was Jesus’ betrayer. Luke, being a Gentile, didn’t walk with Jesus, but Matthew and Peter were heartbroken as Judas’ plan unfolded. 

There’s a claim to fame we can use to remember Thaddeus; he asked Jesus a provocative question that reveals his big heart.

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” John 14:22

Think about that. This courageous disciple couldn’t understand why the Son of God would reveal Himself only to a few. I’m speculating that Thaddeus had a heart for evangelism, missions, and sharing the gospel with the whole world. Maybe he thought, as many of us do, “Lord, why did you choose me since I obviously don’t deserve salvation?”

Jesus’ response was captivating (John 14:22-24) as He gently answered that ‘anyone’ who loves Him will ‘keep His Word’ and the Father will love him too and they’ll both come and live in them. However, as a qualifier, if you don’t keep His words, you automatically don’t love Him. What words is He referring to?

Thaddeus knew there needs to be evidence in your life, as Jesus taught, but what kind of evidence? Read the gospels and begin with humility, repentance, forgiving others, generosity, caring deeds, or simple kindness. The Lord called it the greatest commandment (Mark 12): Love God first and then love others as yourself.  

Jesus’ response to our new friend Thad included a miraculous promise: 

… and We will come and make Our home with each of them.” John 14:23b 

Clearly Jesus wanted The Twelve to understand the indwelling of God in each of us, individually, who love Him and, therefore, love others well. ‘Make our home’ means there’s a prepared place in the heart of a believer where we commune with God and enjoy intimacy with Him. We don’t have a face-to-face encounter with Christ, but what we have is better. It’s an eternal promise for everyone who believes. What hope that brings to those in other nations where being a Christ-follower or attending church is illegal. God permanently lives in us! 

Thaddeus eventually traveled to Turkey establishing a church where he was martyred, but he knew God’s home was already in place in his big heart.