Jesus comforted the disciples with this message: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (1) And then he talked about going away to prepare a place for them but promised to come back and take them to this place. Then he said, “And you know the way to where I am going.” (2) And that’s when Thomas spoke up and said (abruptly, I think), “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (3)
And I want to jump in with Thomas and yell, “Yeah, how can we know the way? I do not know where you are going either, Lord! I am following you, but I don’t know where you are leading me! Why can’t you tell me where you are going? Thank you, Thomas, for asking the question. How can we know the way? Lord, really, tell me where to go, please! Else, how will I know if I am on the right road or even headed the right direction? Give me a hint. I just want to plan properly. That’s all. What is the next step? Is that too much to ask – the next step?” 😠
Yeah, that’s what I would have said. 🤨 Actually, that’s what I did say to God last week. It’s a valid question: How can we know the way? It can be regarding our careers, our relationships, our ministries, our everyday decisions about people and health and money – that about covers everything, I think. It’s a good question. And Jesus gave Thomas an answer. But before we look at that we need to go back and hear what Jesus has already told Thomas; that is, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Translated: Don’t worry about it. Oh. 🙄 Okay. And . . . “Believe in God; believe also in me.” Translated: Trust me. Oh. 😒 Okay.
But trust is hard. Mostly because it means I am giving up control. And I like being in control. I’m good at being in control. I like making plans and knowing the right direction to take. But Jesus comes along and says, “I got this.” And if we are wise, we will let him take over – our decisions, our ministries, our relationships, our careers. And if we are super wise, we will not worry about his leadership skills, his sense of direction, and the map he is using.
So here’s the answer to Thomas’ question How can we know the way? “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way.’” (4) Translated: You already know the way; you know me. It’s that simple. And it’s that complicated. But really the answer is to focus on Jesus, spend time with Jesus. And listen to his voice for he will tell you where to go, what to do, and what to say all at the perfect moment that you need this information – and unfortunately, not a moment before! Hence, the trust thing. 😬
And here’s the promise: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” (5) Translated: Trust me. You will do great things!
Oh. Okay. 😁
(1) John 14:1 (2) John 14:4 (3) John 14:5 (4) John 14:6 (5) John 14:12
