The Way
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:1-7)
Before followers of Jesus the Christ (understood to mean Jesus the Messiah or Savior) were called Christians, they were called followers of The Way. Yet, when Jesus declared himself to be the way - the only way, in fact - to the Father, he made what is arguably the most controversial statement of his life. While Jesus' original critics counted his statement as blasphemy, today those most offended by his statement take issue with his declaration of himself as the "only" way to God. Since God is all and is in all, people can certainly experience God's presence in myriad ways. However, the forgiveness and clean slate that allow us to be in right relationship with God are only available to us because of Jesus' sacrifice.
Jesus went on to say that he's also the truth and the life. Jesus is the truth of God's presence with us and of God's love and compassion for us. And Jesus' life expressed the abundance of God - healing, providing, freeing - while in laying his life down, Jesus expressed God's desire and willingness to love us at all costs. No matter what other "ways" we have felt the presence and blessings of God, no matter the wise voices that may guide us, The Way to the fullness of peace, hope and reconciliation with God, and each other, is Jesus. With God's loving help, may we walk the path of compassion and self-sacrifice that Jesus walked, and truly be followers of The Way.
1 In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me; 2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. 3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me; 4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 16 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
(Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16)
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