A Way Back Home
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Insight
Even though I enjoy traveling from time to time, a few days into any vacation I begin to yearn for home. It doesn't matter how picturesque the scenery or exciting the sights might be, something inside me wants nothing more than to sleep in my bed. I get tired of losing track of things because I'm living out a suitcase or find myself lost because I don't know my way around a foreign city. Eating out for every meal has its perks, but nothing provides more comfort than a simple home-cooked meal.
There is a sense of security that only home can provide. Today's passage reminds me of this truth. The disciples, a group of individuals who gave up everything to follow Jesus, start to get unsettled the more Jesus talks about not being around much longer.
Thomas leans into the tension and asks what everyone else is wondering, "Jesus, we don't know where you are going? Where are you taking us?" Thomas desires some insight on how things are going to unfold. In essence, he wants some assurance that Jesus can get them home.
Even though he knew what soon awaited him on the cross, Jesus doesn't belittle or berate Thomas for his pushback, worry, and uneasiness. Instead, Jesus speaks about preparing a room where the human soul will find true rest. Thomas, you want to know how to get home? Follow me.
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Often, we view these words of Jesus only through the lens of salvation and what awaits us in heaven. Yes, it encompasses those aspects, but there is something deeper Jesus wants us to understand.
His words are that of restoration and reconciliation. The great divide sin created between God and humanity left us wandering without a home. Nothing in this world can ease our waywardness. We can pack our bags full of trinkets and souvenirs, but the heavy suitcase we carry will only remind us that we're not at rest.
Christ brought us back to where we belong and that is in communion with our Creator. If we want to comprehend God's heart, we need to look no further than Jesus. Jesus placed God's wrath on His shoulders in order to be the bridge that welcomes us home. Jesus serves as the path to our Father.
The full life Jesus offers isn't something that lies in the future. We don't have to wait to check-in to experience this connection. The Holy Spirit resides within us. It made its home inside our heart. And because of this, we can take heart and embrace the unknown of this world. The way we get to experience security and comfort right here, right now is walking in His ways.
Reflection
How has God restored your soul?
Where do you need to start or continue to walk in His ways?
Prayer
God, thanks for making a way back home for me. I will follow Your ways because I know they lead to life. I will rest in Your truth and let that define everything about me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.