The Way, the Truth and the Life

John 14:1-6

¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. ² In my Father’s house there are many rooms; If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, so that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵Thomas 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.”

Monday, March 8 – The Resurrection of Lazarus. As we approach chapter eleven of John’s gospel we come to one of the most beautiful, powerful and profound stories in this book. As you read it, begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you through this story. Have a piece of notepaper ready and jot down answers to these questions as you read: What do I learn about Jesus in this passage? What was Jesus’ relationship to Mary, Martha and Lazarus? Remember, John writes intending that you see yourself in the story. Can you identify with Mary or Martha, or the disciples? Notice in verse 16 what Thomas says – we think of him as doubting Thomas (John 20:24-25) but here we see courage. How does Martha feel? Have you ever felt that way toward the Lord? Why does Jesus weep in this passage (v. 35)? Try to imagine this scene as it unfolds. With what tone do you think Jesus spoke the words of v. 43 and 44? Read John 11:1-44.

Tuesday, March 9 – The Gathering Storm. Read John 11:45-57. John is a master storyteller. Why did the Jewish leaders wish to put Jesus to death? John makes use of irony here – what is the irony in this passage? John also records statements that have a double meaning – like Caiphas’ statement in verse 50 – what was the deeper meaning of this text? Jesus went to a desert village – some believe this was a village about 15 miles north of Jerusalem. It is possible that the village was to the east, toward the Dead Sea and Jericho. In the synoptic gospels, Jesus travels to Jericho before coming to Jerusalem for the triumphal entry. John doesn’t mention this. What do you think Jesus is doing during the several weeks he spends in the desert village? Read John 12:1-11. Bethany is a town located on the Mount of Olives toward Jericho. You can still visit the site believed to be the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. A church was constructed on this site centuries ago. Matthew 26:6-13 tells us that this dinner is being held in the home of Simon the Leper – a fact which reminds us of the people Jesus associated with. Why did Mary do what she did? (This story is not the same as Luke 7:37 where a prostitute anoints Jesus, earlier in his ministry). What does Mary’s act teach us about worship? About our offerings? About our heart when we give of ourselves or our possessions to Jesus? Notice the collision course that Jesus (and now Lazarus as well) is on with the religious leaders.

Wednesday, March 10 – I Am the Vine. Read John 15:1-17. What does the vine do for the branches? How does this describe what Jesus does for us? What must branches do? What does this mean for us? How does God prune us? How has God used adversity or disappointment to prune you? What is the purpose of God’s pruning? What is Jesus’ primary commandment to us and what does this mean for you? Read verses 18-27. Here Jesus is promising what, by the time John’s gospel was written, had become a reality. The readers of John’s gospel were experiencing persecution like this. How would Jesus’ words here have comforted them in the midst of their trials? Have you ever experienced persecution or even discrimination for your faith? Notice again the Holy Spirit is mentioned as the “Counselor” – what does Jesus mean by calling the Spirit by this name? Pray for those who are persecuted for their faith even today – millions of Christians around the world face terrible oppression and even death for following Jesus.

Thursday, March 11 Read John 10: 1-21 In this section Jesus teaches about the Good Shepherd and identifies him as such. He speaks of there being one flock under one shepherd. What does that mean to you? Not how at the end of this chapter again the religious leaders do not like his teaching. What teachings of Jesus make you uncomfortable?

Friday, March 12 Read John 10:22-39. In this passage Jesus identifies himself as God. This makes Jesus unique among the leaders or founders of other world religions. Again you can see that the religious authorities charge him with blasphemy (speaking or acting against God). Many people claim that Christianity is exclusive because of these passages but others argue to the contrary that God invites all people (inclusion) to become his adopted Son’s and Daughters. What do you think/feel about this?