Studying Jesus’ character - Mātauina o uiga o Iesu

Scripture Focus: Ioane 14:1-7

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. Where I go, you know, and you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.”
- John 14:1-7 (WEB)

Study:

In this passage, Jesus comforts his disciples who are troubled by the prospect of his departure. He assures them of a prepared place with God the Father and offers hope through his promise to return. The disciples’ confusion over this leads to a powerful declaration from Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This isn’t just a statement about direction; it’s a profound claim about his very essence. He *is* the means of access to God, the ultimate reality, and the source of true life. Thomas's question highlights a common human struggle – the desire to know *how*. Jesus responds by emphasizing the importance of *knowing Him*. Knowing Jesus is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but a relational one. It means understanding His character, His teachings, and His love. Through knowing Jesus, we also come to know the Father.

Application:

This passage reminds us that in times of uncertainty and distress, we can find peace in believing in God and in Jesus Christ. We often strive to *find* the way, but Jesus reveals that He *is* the way. This calls us to prioritize a deeper relationship with Jesus – spending time in prayer, studying His word, and actively following His example. It's not merely about knowing *about* Jesus, but truly *knowing* Him as our Lord and Savior. This changes everything about how we approach life, offering assurance, purpose, and a connection to the Father.

Reflection Questions:

• How does Jesus’ promise of a prepared place offer comfort in the face of loss or change?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus identifies Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life”?
• In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today?
• How does understanding Jesus as the 'way' influence your decision-making?
• What practical steps can you take to “know” Jesus better?

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your comforting words and your promise of a place with you. Help us to trust you completely and to deepen our relationship with you each day. Reveal yourself to us, not just as a historical figure, but as the living Way, the Truth, and the Life. Guide us and lead us closer to your Father. Amen.

Tags: Jesus, John 14, faith, truth, life, way, disciples, relationship with God, comfort, hope, belief, knowing Jesus