“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:3-6)Thomas, unfortunately nicknamed “Doubting Thomas,” offers us comfort. Jesus accepts Thomas, with his doubts and all, and responds with healing experiences that answer them. This affirms for us all: doubts are natural, and Jesus provides acceptance, love, and healing.
Jesus gives Thomas the chance to touch his wounds and reminds him of a promise: everyone has access to being in God's eternal presence. We have a place prepared to which we will be escorted. Jesus says we know that place. Rather than focusing on the destination (heaven), Jesus tells us that the journey matters more than the destination.
Jesus’ statement, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” emphasizes that discipleship is the journey to the Father.
Like Thomas, we experience doubt but find healing in a relationship with Jesus. Walking the path of Jesus—the way, truth, and life—brings us to the Father. The Greek word erchomai means "to move from one place to another." The importance of Discipleship is the journey, not the destination.
Discipleship is journeying. And, friends, here is the Good News. We are escorted by Jesus himself. We don’t walk alone. Jesus is the way that provides the passage. Jesus, as the truth, aligns us. Jesus, as the life, empowers us. Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord.
This week, breathe in this knowledge. Make this promise a part of what fuels your walk. Breathe out the praise and thanksgiving for a God who always goes above what is required to make our discipleship possible. Amen. Have a great weekend.
