Do You Know the Way?

John 14:2-6 – In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

These words are some of the most loved words Jesus spoke. He unmistakably promises to return for those who have believed in him and bring them into God’s presence forever. This is eternal life. This is living with Jesus forever in the place he has prepared for us. Certainly every one of us wants to know and experience a joyous existence forever after we die. How do we get there?

Jesus said that the disciples who had spent the last three years with him “know the way,” but Thomas spoke words of confusion on behalf of all of them, “We do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

Thomas heard Jesus’ words, and he understood their literal meaning. A place is a location. It takes a way – a road or path – to get to a location. Yet, Jesus clarified his wording to let them know that they did know the way. The way was not a road. The way was a person. The true Way still is that same person. The only begotten Son of God.

Your eternity waits as does all of ours. The road you take after your life here is done is fully dependent on choosing the right way now. That road is a road of relationship. Do you know the Way? He would love for you to. Receive his love and begin a relationship with Jesus today. He has a room for you.

When Darkness Comes

John 13:29b – And it was night.

This is a short sentence in English. It is even shorter in Greek, just seven letters in three words: en de nux. Yet, on the surface, it seems so unnecessary. John just told us about Jesus saying the one who he shared bread with would betray him. Judas took the bread, Satan entered him, and Judas left the Last Supper. Why did John even write those words? Of course it was night. This was a dinner, after all. 

Let’s not jump away from these words too quickly. All throughout this Gospel, John has been using day and night along with darkness and light as powerful metaphors for people, circumstances, and spiritual reality. Early in the first chapter we are taught that Jesus was the true Light who enlightens every person. (John 1:9). Those who follow Christ walk in the light (John 3:19-21, 8:12, and 12:46). There is a clear pervasive truth that Christ is the “Light of the World.” (John 8:12) 

However, even in Jesus’ life there were times of night and darkness. He foretold the coming night in 9:4, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” He gives a similar warning in 12:35. “The light is among you for a little longer.” Suddenly, these three little words in the middle of the Last Supper become loaded with significance. They speak of more than just the time every day after sunset. They describe the darkness Jesus entered as a result of Judas’ betrayal when he was taken away as a prisoner, falsely accused for a crime he did not commit, suffered unimaginable pain in some of the worst torture ever devised, and, worst of all, bore the guilt of all people of all times and places. It was indeed a dark night. 

Perhaps you are in a season of night and darkness in your life. It may have been brought on by your choices, the fault of another person, or simply horrible circumstances beyond anyone’s control. I do not want to belittle the pain you are experiencing in any way. It is real. It is serious, but it is a season. The same Jesus who foretold his own night said it would come to his followers, yet he also promised a day greater than all. It is not by coincidence that the eternal destination of those who believe in Jesus will never experience darkness or night (Revelation 22:5). 

John even makes the point early on Easter morning, “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark.” That darkness finally and completely passed when she met the resurrected Jesus later that morning after the sun rose. 

Whatever darkness you face right now, Jesus knows what you are experiencing. He suffered an even greater night for you so that you could be with him in the place of never ending day. Invite him into your life. Seek his strength in your night. This, too, shall pass.