“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. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” John 14.5-8
This wasn’t the first time Thomas questioned Jesus. Like Peter, Thomas seems to speak up at the most inopportune times (i.e. like after the resurrection when Thomas didn’t believe until he touched the hands and side of Jesus.)
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus could have said, “Thomas, I am going to heaven. I am going to die, be resurrected and then I will go to be with my Father. Then I will take you with me.” This is what he could’ve said and it would have all been true. But Jesus doesn’t elevate his destination he defines his position. Rather than focusing on where he’s going physically or spiritually, he tells us what is most important when he responds to Thomas’ question of “how can we know the way?” Jesus says, “I am the way…the truth and the life.”
What does it mean for Jesus to be the way? Well, for those who think they know the Bible, claim to be believers, yet reject Jesus — it means real trouble. They’ve missed the boat and it happens all the time inside of churches and seminaries, which I find unbearable. (But that’s a rant for another day.)
What does it mean for Jesus to be the way? It means we hone in on him. It means he is everything, God in the flesh, Savior of the World, Chosen One of God, divine, Redeemer, you name it. Jesus is everything and points to God and is the same as God. Jesus emphasizes this in the conversation with Thomas when he says, “No one comes to the Father except through me…and if you really know me, you will know my Father.” If we know Jesus, we know God. If we REALLY know him, we will REALLY (my emphasis) know God.
I have known many in my life who do not know the Father or the Son. They might know church, love the law and even love the idea of ministry and the Bible. But they do not know Jesus. Or, they once knew him, but now they have been clouded by culture, modern beliefs and intellect to the point that they have ignored the Holy Spirit and or allowed another spirit to takes His place. I am not trying to judge but merely state what I’ve seen in 30 years (and Biblical evidence) after my personal saving encounter with Jesus when I came to know him.
If you are like Thomas, unaware of Jesus, call out to him. Seek his face. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you. He is not only the way, but as Jesus said, the truth and the life. Therefore, our lives make sense only in the light of his grace.
“O Lord God, you are good. You will show yourself to all who call upon your name. You will save all sinners, redeem all those who are wrecked in life and in sin. You restore humanity! Thank you for restoring me. When I was broken beyond belief, beaten down and lost, you found me. Come now Lord Jesus. Help me be one life that brings you glory. Thank you for your power and love and for the grace to know you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen