John 14:1-7

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” vs. 6

Thomas was confused about Jesus’ words. Jesus had said that he was going away but that he would come again and take them to himself, and that the disciples knew the way to where he was going. But Thomas didn’t know where Jesus was going, and he didn’t know the way. So Jesus makes it plain enough for even Thomas to understand, and says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 The words are beautiful and to the point, but they’ve been a source of huge confusion. Somehow we’ve gotten the notion that this verse can be used to define who gets to go to heaven and who goes to hell. Since Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life, we reason that anyone who doesn’t believe in him is going to be condemned. But the truth is that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life for everyone, believers and unbelievers alike!

Oh how we love to use words of hope as a means to divide humanity into winners and losers! This passage tells us that there is life beyond death and that a place has been prepared for us. That’s why it’s read so often at funerals. Jesus doesn’t want us to be afraid. He wants us to know the truth, that new life awaits! And it’s for all!

Thought for the Day: What scripture would I like at my funeral?