Read: John 14:5-14
Reflect: Even in the age of GPS, you may occasionally find yourself asking for directions. Everyone gives directions differently. Some use street names. Some use landmarks. But the easiest way to find a place is still to have someone show you the way.
In John 14, Thomas and Philip ask Jesus how to get to the Father, how to know God. You can hear the anxiety in their questions. Thomas and Philip want what many people want: peace, guidance, and the assurance that they are going the right way and doing the right thing.
Think about what it must have been like to walk with Jesus during his earthly ministry. This Teacher was different from any man the disciples had ever met. The kingdom of God he described and the life he called them to was different from everything they had ever known. Trying to wrap their minds around these ideas must have been scary and disorienting at time. How could they be sure that Jesus was telling the truth? If what Jesus said was true, did that mean everything they had been taught was wrong? How could they navigate in this new world?
Phillip boldly asks Jesus to “show them the Father” (John 14:8). Phillip wants proof. He wants assurance that he can trust what Jesus says.
Of course, Jesus is full of grace and gentleness when he responds to Phillip. “Don’t you know me?” he asks. “The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”
Jesus is telling his disciples to trust the testimony of his actions, the evidence of his life. The disciples had already seen God in the flesh—Jesus. And in verse twelve, Jesus promises that his disciples will show others the Father through their lives and works.
The way of Jesus is different from the many ways of the world. It can be disorienting. We need someone to show us the Way. And as our lives imitate Jesus, we show others.
As we look forward to celebrating Easter with the global Church, take time out of your day to look around you and notice how other believers are pointing the way to Jesus. Consider writing out John 14:10 on a sticky note and putting it in your car or on your desk. Maybe make it the background for your phone. As you go about your day, think about how your words and actions can show people the way to Jesus.
