An Inconvenient Fact
There is nothing like a good conversation between friends. whether it is sitting around a meal, a campfire, or just out on a walk, it is always pleasant to discuss things that are on your heart with those you love and admire. However, there are times when those conversations will be difficult. In the 14th chapter of John, we find that Jesus and His disciples had just finished the Passover meal (one that they would NEVER forget!), and were making their way to the Mount of Olives. Jesus begins a conversation with them and gives them some last-minute instructions, knowing that time is quickly marching Him to Calvary.
As any good conversation goes, this was not a monologue. It was a dialogue. Jesus had just told them that He was about to leave them but He had promised that He would come back for them. In fact, He said, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know that way to where I am going.”
Thomas, a bit confused since Jesus said they all knew the way, asks Jesus a question. His inquiry is one that we would probably have asked Jesus. “Ummm, Lord, we have no clue as to where it is you’re going so how can we even begin to guess as to how to get there?” Was Jesus planning a game of Cosmic Hide-and-Seek? Take a look at Jesus’ reply in John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Let’s break this down…
Jesus is the ONLY way. Do you have a smart phone or some kind of GPS system in your vehicle? It is a marvelous thing to input a destination and then have this little marvel of engineering guide you to where you need to be. No more pulling out a large map or an entire book (called a Thomas Guide). You just need to listen to the little voice give you turn by turn instructions. In fact, it will give you a choice of alternate routes that will all get you to where you’re going.
The world and its belief system would like us to believe that there are many ways to God. The inconvenient fact is this: there are no alternate routes to God! Only through Jesus can we come to know God.
Jesus is the Truth. Jesus didn’t just answer Thomas’ question about how to get to where Jesus was going, but took it a step further. He said He was the truth. Notice, He didn’t say He was a truth. He said He was THE truth. Just as this ol’ world would have us believe that there are many routes to God, it would have us believe there are many and differing truths about Him as well.
That is the purpose behind all the various religions, is it not? Religion’s purpose is to try and explain God, each giving its own “spin” on who God is. The inconvenient fact is this: for those who believe that religion will get you closer to God, it will not. Religion is a dead end. Jesus alone is the manifested truth about God. Get to know Him, and you will get to know God.
Jesus is the life. The scientific community, especially in the world of cosmology (the study of the nature of the universe), is wrapped up in seeking the origin of life. Their telescopes and probes are all pointed toward the heavens, but will never find the origin of life. The inconvenient fact is this: they will see the results, but never the cause. Jesus is the cause!
Colossians 1:16 states, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.”
Life itself begins with Jesus.
If we want to know peace, it is only through Jesus. If we want to know the way to God, it is only through Jesus. If we want to know the truth about God, it is only found in Jesus. If we want life, it is only found in its author, Jesus. If we want to know how to overcome this world’s difficulties, it is only through Jesus.
We do not serve the memory of an incredibly talent, gifted, and influential teacher that lived and died almost 2,000 years ago. We serve a risen Savior!
