Devotion:
Read John 14:1-6.
Some of the translations of the Bible use the word “If” in verses two and three in a way that leaves some people wondering whether Jesus is actually preparing a place for us. I believe The Common English Bible best captures the meaning of the first three verses here. “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.”
His follow-up comment to the disciples about them knowing the way to where he was going prompted Thomas to admit they didn’t know the way. At that point, Jesus offered another of his “I Am” statements in this Gospel to describe himself: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” There is a particular way to live one’s life if you are going to represent Jesus. It is not a matter of just saying you believe in him and then living and thinking and relating to others the way you always have. Truth is not about each person’s interpretation, but finding it in what Jesus taught with his words and actions. Later in this chapter, he goes on to say that God will send the Spirit of Truth, who will continue to teach and remind us of what Jesus taught us. And living life to the fullest, as God created us to live it, is found in following this Way as guided by this Spirit.
It is so tempting and so easy to get caught up in following the ways of this world, in believing “so-called” truths of this world and seeking life in the wrong places and people. Be sure you are following the One who is “the way, the truth and the life.”
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on who guides your life more: voices of this world or the Holy Spirit? To whom do you spend more time listening?
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