One Way

 

[Jesus said] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;1 believe also in me. 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.” (John 14:1-6 ESV).

 

The Skybridge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America and remains one of the most incredible experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains. Guests can walk the full 680 feet across at their own pace, taking in the beauty of the surrounding area. The bridge itself is 140 feet high at its midpoint, and there are even glass panels scattered through the middle of the span so you can see down into the valley below. Mary and I have not taken advantage of this attraction. We don’t walk well on level ground, much less on a swaying bridge 140 feet in the air! Part of our trepidation is the fear that we might get halfway across and be paralyzed with fear and no other way but forward to get off! Once you start, there really is one way to finish!

 

This is like the bold claim of Jesus in our reading today. Jesus is saying he is the way, the truth, and the life. He’s the only one who can lead people to God the Father. Many people today disagree with this. They argue that it’s wrong to make such an exclusive claim because spiritual truth is ultimately unknowable for us.

 

In this passage, Jesus makes it hard to stand in the “middle” when it comes to Christianity. Each person who reads John 14 must make a decision to accept or reject Jesus’ claim. Following Christ is either the one true way to know God, or it’s not. For some of us, this either/or choice may seem extreme. But as we consider Jesus’ words, it’s helpful to remember that he makes this statement while he is preparing to go to the cross. He knows he will be arrested that very night and be crucified the next day. Jesus is comforting his disciples in the face of his impending death by reminding them of the truth. He will give up his life on the cross to open the way for us to have full life with God forever. No matter what happens over the coming days, he wants them to know that if they believe in him, they can trust that they will be with him forever.