John 14:4-7, The Way, Truth, and Life

4 “And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 

Jesus acknowledges his second coming to his disciples in the image of a bridegroom returning for his bride, letting them know the way to their future: “You know the way to where I am going.” Fortunately, the ever-honest Thomas speaks up for all of us: “We do not know the way.” This elicits one of the greatest verses of Scripture and statements by Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Jesus stresses himself as the exclusive way to heaven. It is only through him—“No one comes to the Father except through me”—and through no one else. Faith in him and the work of the cross smashes the barriers between heaven and earth, opening up the way to eternal life in and with Jesus. Faith in anyone or anything else leaves them outside the way, and the truth, and the life. 

Jesus embodies the truth of God. We know God because God reveals himself in Jesus. When we look to and have faith in Jesus, we know the truth about God. God has created all of us for eternal life but sin and its wages exclude us. The only way around this predicament is faith in Jesus and the work of the cross. The only way to eternal life with God is through Jesus. He is exclusive—salvation is only through him—yet the way is open to all who come to him in faith. No one is excluded except by their own choice, their own rejection of God, who through the incarnation has made himself known and opened up the gate to eternal life through the death and resurrection of his one and only Son. In his incredible grace, he is prepared to prepare a heavenly dwelling for all in his Father’s house. 

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP)