The Way

As John chapter 13 comes to a close, Jesus predicts his disciples' failure and even betrayal that accompany his death. They are bewildered and more than a little shell-shocked by what they are hearing. 

As chapter 14 opens, Jesus tells them to not to be troubled by this news but rather to trust in God and trust in him. He goes on to tell them that, despite all the unsettling news about his death and their failures, he is going to his Father's house to make preparations for their arrival in glory. 

And he assures them, "you know the way to the place where I am going" (v. 4). To which Thomas replies, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, how can we know the way" (v. 5)?

Obviously, they had missed the boat in so many ways. They had just heard Jesus predict their upcoming failures. They knew they didn't have a firm grasp on this disciple business, how could they know the way. How could they be expected to make it from here on their own?

They weren't't expected to make it on their own for the way wasn't a route they were to decipher and map out by their singular or collective ability.  The way was not a self-discovery or a map hidden to be unearthed by their hard work or clever thinking. The Way was altogether different from a set of instructions to follow. 

It wasn't found in their knowing the right theology or adhering to the right doctrine or keeping the right rituals, Jesus said instead,  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (v. 6).  They knew the way because they knew the right person, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Do you?  Do you know the Way, our Lord Jesus Christ?  Jus' Askn.