Day Twelve // Reading: John 14:6

Devotional

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”

John 14:6, NLT

Have you ever gotten lost before? Whether it’s losing our mom in the store as a little kid or getting turned around on a nature walk, getting lost is never a good feeling. Sometimes, we can feel a little lost in life–unsure of where we are going or if everything is going to be okay.

This was exactly how the disciples were feeling before Jesus died on the cross. On the day before He was crucified, Jesus gave His disciples some encouragement on how they could follow Him after He was gone.

Jesus said, “You know the way to where I am going.” One of the disciples named Thomas was confused. He said, “No, we don’t, Lord. We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:4-6)

Thomas was looking for a map, but Jesus offered him a lifestyle instead. Jesus isn’t saying He knows the way, the truth, and the life. He’s saying He IS the way, the truth, and the life. The Greek word for truth is alētheia, and it means “objectively, what is true in any matter under consideration.” In this statement, Jesus makes it clear that there are not multiple truths. Following Jesus is the only way to know God, understand the world we live in, and go to heaven.

Truth is not just an intellectual concept. It should affect the way we live our lives. To do that, truth has to move from our head to our heart. Now, let’s be clear—living in truth and following Jesus does not mean that you have to know all the answers. Like Thomas, you may find yourself saying, “I have no idea where I’m going, so how can I know the way?” To that, Jesus says, “You don’t need to have the answers. Just follow me.”

How do we know how to follow Jesus? First, we have the Word of God. Second, we have the Holy Spirit. In the same conversation, Jesus told His disciples, “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.” (John 14:15-17) You have this Advocate, too! When you feel lost and unsure of what’s true, the Holy Spirit will show you the way, the truth, and the life.

PRAYER: God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, and giving me the Holy Spirit so that I am never truly alone or lost. You are the way to the truth, and following Jesus is the only way to experience truth. Give me the boldness to live for You and opportunities to share my faith with others. I love You.

Question: How can I fully follow Jesus this week?