Doubting Thomas - let’s call him Questioning Tom - has captured my imagination lately.
How can we know the way? Thomas, the Disciple, puts that question directly to Jesus in John 14, and Jesus offers a profound response: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. (John 14:6-7)
That commanding passage has been used to exclude people of different faiths from the Kingdom of God, but in other verses, Jesus talks about his Father’s house with many rooms and his other sheep. Therefore, I’m content to take this as a personal challenge to better know God. We can strive to radiate our faith or we can be stingy with it. I choose the former!
This prayer was inspired by Scripture Union writer Mary Evans and William Barclay's commentary on the passage.
Lord Christ,
You are my way, my truth, my life.
The Way: The way to God. My path. My guide. I’m prone to stray. Take my hand and lead me. Help me to stay on your course.
The Truth: The truth about God. In teaching and example. A reflection of the Father’s character. Help me to replicate your humility, mercy, healing and sacrificial love.
The Life: The life in God. A purposeful life. The experience of my Creator’s powerful presence and the promise of eternal life. Help me to harvest the fruits of your Spirit - peace, patience, self-control, generosity, perseverance, honesty and hope.
Jesus, reveal your way, your truth, your life - a life lived in and for the Lord. Amen.
Many rooms - John 14:2
Other sheep - John 10:16
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