Today we are going to look at the John 14 passage again and focus our attention on Thomas’ question and Jesus’ answer. I love that Thomas was bold enough to ask what everyone else in the Upper Room that night was probably thinking! My teacher friends tell me that they always appreciate that kid with all the questions. They’re the ones that get all the answers.

John 14 (Common English Bible)

 “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? 3 When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. 4 You know the way to the place I’m going.”

     5 Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

     6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Thomas the Questioner was someone who probably never let a question go unspoken. He was not a doubter in my mind, but just the one who was bold enough to state his confusion. Every small group needs a Thomas! We’ve all known Thomases in our time; that child who barrages you with questions at every meal, the coworker who engages in a debate at every chance, and even the secret places in our own hearts where wondering turns into endless querying, especially in times of trouble. But we have to give Thomas his due here, because his unabashed questioning gave us one of Jesus’ best and most definitive statements of his life. To answer Thomas’ nervous claim that they didn’t know where Jesus was going or how to get there, Jesus gave this calm response “I am the way, the truth and the life” (verse 14:6a). 

Connecting these three things would have meant a great deal to the Jewish men sitting around that table. The Jews have talked about the way for centuries, connecting it to the way people must walk by understanding the ways of God. God told Moses not to walk to the right hand or the left hand, but to walk “in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you” (Deuteronomy 5:33). The Law and all of the rabbinical teachings centered around the way of God and the way people must walk. 

One of the ways that people must walk is by seeking the truth in all things; a truth that would hold up to their teachings. The Torah and the Midrash (rabbinic interpretation) must be studied in order for people of God to learn the truth. Moral truth was the goal and study was the way.

And all good Jews sought a path that led to a good life. Many of the Psalms and Proverbs expressed this desire: “He who heeds instructions is on the path to life” (Proverbs 6:23). A worthy life that was worth living was the proof of obedience.

Jesus clarified that he was the culmination of Jewish expectation, wrapped up in these three pillars of thought and offered to everyone. Jesus provides the way that gives direction to all who wander in confusion and affliction. Jesus is the truth that answers all of life’s mysteries. Jesus is the life that brings hope to those who are dead inside and don’t know how to go on.

The way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the three-in-one answer to all of life’s questions. Looking for eternal life? Follow Jesus.

The Way of Light by Michelle Robertson