The Way, the Truth, and the Life

John 14:6. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus says this to Thomas, who has just admitted that he does not know where Jesus is going, so how can he know the way?

Thomas' question is worth honoring. He did not pretend to understand. He said what the others were probably thinking. And Jesus did not give him a map. He gave him a person. The way to the Father is not a route to be memorized or a technique to be mastered. It is Jesus himself, walking ahead and holding the door.

This is a Sunday verse. Across the country this morning, congregations will gather in buildings of every size and sing to the one who said these words. The claim is exclusive, and it has always been uncomfortable. But notice its shape. It is not a wall. It is a door, and the one who says he is the way has also said he is preparing a place. The narrowness of the claim is the narrowness of a specific invitation, addressed to you.