The Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14

After instituting the covenant of Holy Communion at His final Passover meal, Jesus girded himself with a towel and began to wash His disciples’ feet. After this most humble act, He warned them that the hour had come for Him to lay down His life for all believers. He also revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him.

Shocked and suddenly realizing that something very serious was happening, Jesus’ disciples did not really know how to respond. Seeking to ease their concerns, Jesus began to comfort them, assuring them that their (and our) eternal future would be one of great joy. It would be something to remember and hold onto during the dark hours ahead.

 ¹ “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. ⁴ You know the way to where I am going.”

⁵ “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:1-6 (HCSB)

Jesus laid it all out for them, simple, plain, and clear: No matter what happens, even the unthinkable, continue to place our focus on Him. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the life. He loves us and has paved the way for us to live eternally with Him. He has covered all of our sins and shortcomings with God’s own righteousness through His sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. And He will return one day to take us to Himself. So, no matter what happens, keep the faith! This was valuable assurance for both his disciples then and for us today.

Having been raised in glory after His atoning mission was complete, Jesus now provides all believers with a new relationship with the Father. Previously, only a high priest could enter God’s divine presence in the Holy of Holies, located in the temple in Jerusalem, and then only once a year after being cleansed by a blood sacrifice. But when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple that separated holy God from unholy people was torn in two, from top to bottom, opening the way for all believers. Reading from the gospel account of Jesus’ death on the cross:

⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, ⁴⁵ because the sun’s light failed.  The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. ⁴⁶ And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, He breathed His last.

⁴⁷ When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous!” ⁴⁸ All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. ⁴⁹ But all who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:44-49 (HCSB)

Through faith in Christ, all believers are made holy by His sacrifice and may now approach the Father directly with our prayers and petitions. As Jesus had explained to His disciples on Passover night:

⁷ “If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”

⁸ “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own.  The Father who lives in Me does His works. ¹¹ Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves. John 14:7-11 (HCSB)

We have all been offered countless divine blessings as a result of Christ’s incredible sacrifice. But, as with any gift, it is still up to us to receive them. For whatever reason, many will choose to decline and reject Jesus’ loving offer and sacrificial covering. Many others WILL receive Him in faith, and will enjoy the gift of eternal fellowship with Him in the place that He has prepared for us. If we do not yet know Him, we can begin that relationship right here, right now. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

May the Lord richly bless you with the very best of all His gifts today!

Reflection

It is a privilege to be free to enter the Father’s throne room, welcomed by Him at any hour of the day or night, to make our prayer petitions or just to rest in His presence. We have been cleansed, qualified, and made righteous to do so by our faith in the loving sacrifice of Jesus, our eternal Savior and Redeemer.

Father God, thank You that You always hear our prayers and care so deeply about us. Your grace, mercy, and generosity are gifted to us without limit. We look forward one day to celebrating our fellowship and worship in the physical presence of Your courts, residing in the place that Jesus has prepared for us. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a blessed and glorious day in the Lord today!