The Way, The Truth, The Life

In John 13, prior to the passover, the Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples of his impending betrayal, arrest, death and departure. He told them, ‘Whither I go ye canst not follow me now’. This was a great puzzle to the disciples and a very great disappointment. They still expected the Lord to overthrow the Roman empire, restore the glory of Israel, reign in power and establish an earthly kingdom in which they, his followers, would be highly honoured. Peter, spokesman for them all, insisted he was ready to die to make it happen. 

The bigger picture

Nonetheless, a mood of despondency settled over the disciples and chapter 14 begins with Jesus moving to reassure their downcast and troubled hearts. They could not see the big picture. They were, as yet, blind to the worldwide spiritual kingdom of God and their own role in its forming and expansion. They were gripped with self-interest. In the coming chapters the Lord will lay out the scope of the disciples’ duty in the new apostolic age. First, He must address their troubled hearts.

The need for faith

Our greatest need in times of trouble is faith. This was true for the disciples and it is true for us. ‘Believe in God, believe also in me’, said the Saviour. Like the disciples we do not see the big picture. We are too self-absorbed in our daily trials to evaluate our circumstances properly. In chapter 14, therefore, the Lord enlarges the disciples’ view of the divine purpose of grace. He promises the Comforter to help and support His church and He reinforces our hope of heaven.

Tender loving care

There is something very precious and compassionate in this example of the Lord’s dealings with His little ones. Often our first reaction to trial is emotional. Our passions run near the surface and readily spill over when we face the tests of life. Our deeper convictions of God’s love and mercy will ultimately re-assert themselves but that can take time. We know God is in control of our lives and we believe all things work together for our good, yet tears, fears and fretting come first. When our heart is troubled the Lord calls us to trust in Him. 

No man’s debtor

Christ’s immediate reference to heavenly mansions underpins His intimate, personal care. What had these men lost? Their ambition for worldly happiness and earthly glory. True happiness is not in this world, the Lord tells them. He will have us remember that, too. Our joy and glory is in heaven. Our Saviour has prepared for us a place in His Father’s presence, in His Father’s house. In that place are many mansions, sufficient for all the Lord’s redeemed people. Soon Christ will come for us and receive us to Himself that where He is there we may be also. 

For your assurance

The Lord’s words are full of promise and good hope to fortify our faith. His impending absence stoked the disciples’ consternation but His going away was all part of the greater plan to do His people good. This is what the disciples had to believe. The road to the Father’s house lay through Christ’s suffering and death. This was the greater plan. With just hours until His own suffering, the Saviour is still working to encourage and console His anxious people.

Where are you going?

The question Thomas asked seems ridiculous. Can he really not see that the Lord is speaking of His death? Yet, how often do we succumb to foolish reasoning when confronted with life’s challenges. What are our grounds for fear? Why do we worry? Has not the Lord spoken? Have we reason to doubt? How many times must we hear the truth for it to take root and stick? Thoughtless as Thomas’ question may appear it drew from the Saviour a beautiful statement of divine revelation. Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’. The church would be poorer had Thomas not asked his question and Christ not given His answer. 

Precious faith

When our hearts are troubled, when fears arise and conflict with the old man grows fierce every fresh view of the Saviour gives us courage and strength. Jesus Christ is our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-sufficient, ever-living God; the great ‘I am’. He is the singular Way to God, the unique Way of salvation. He is all Truth. He is to be believed, trusted and relied upon. In Him is life. He is Author and Giver. It is our privilege to trust Him for all natural, spiritual and eternal life. May we do so.

Amen.