I Am The Way

"I am the Way” - Jesus  John 14:6

As Jesus became more specific about his purpose and his plans and the future events that would soon take place, there was a lot of confusion among the disciples. Peter boldly proclaimed that he would be willing to die for Jesus but within a few hours he proved he was more talk than action. 

Jesus prepared his disciples for the difficult hours and days ahead and within the statements he made to them there is some really good advice and strategy for us when we are facing trials. Jesus told them: 

• Don't be troubled

• Believe in God

• Believe in me

• I am going to prepare a place

• I will come back for you

• You know the way to the place I am preparing
   

The last statement really got Thomas's attention. Thomas, the ever inquisitive disciple, needed more clarification about the place Jesus was talking about. Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 

In response Jesus said, "I am the way."

Jesus informed Thomas (and the others listening in) the way forward was to keep their eyes and attention focused on him. In other words, Jesus knows where He is going, what He is going to do, and when He is going to do it. In response we just focus on him. 

In our attempt to convince people, who are not yet disciples of Jesus, we may sometimes focus too much of our presentation on the end of the journey and not enough on the path to get there. Jesus could have explained more fully about the place he was going to prepare and how wonderful it would be, but he didn't. Other places in Scripture give some details about heaven but on this occasion Jesus stated there is a path to follow through life and He is that path.  

As disciple-makers let's follow Jesus' example and focus on "the way" rather than the final destination. This approach will equip new disciples to handle the challenges and trials and testing that invariably take place on the journey through life to our home in heaven.