How can we know the way?

John 14:5-14

⁵ “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

⁹ Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. ¹¹ Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

¹² “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. ¹³ You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. ¹⁴ Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

Sometimes it’s hard to understand things that we can’t observe. For Thomas, he couldn’t get his head around where Jesus was going, and how knowing Jesus relates to know the Father.

As someone who has the “complete story” through the Bible, it’s easy to forget how confusing what Jesus was saying must have been. But trusting in things that aren’t visible is hard, and I love that Thomas asked Jesus for help to understand.

When re-reading this passage, what has captured my attention are responses that Jesus gave to Thomas, providing Thomas with a firm foundation and encouragement to have faith in Him.

Particularly, Jesus reminds Thomas of who He is, “I am the way and the truth and the life”. Jesus is not just one of the ways among many, but Jesus is the Way to God. In Jesus we find the truth and life. Trusting in Jesus, in his way, truth and life leads us to know the Father. Jesus doubles down on this again, “The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather it is the Father living in me, who is doing his work.” Jesus highlights the words He speaks reveal the Father. The Father is known through Him, and to know one is to have revelation of the other.

Sometimes God might feel a bit distant. Today, I’m reminded that through the revelation of Jesus who embraced, healed, forgave, and freed those around him, I can know the Father too.

God, thank you that you reveal yourself to us through Jesus. Thank you that Jesus provides us with answers and evidence. Please help us to believe and take up the invitation to put our faith in Jesus who is the way and the truth and the life. Amen.

Written by Ps. Andie Molteno