Knowing the Way

John 14:(1-7) 8-17
As I write this the final competitors in this year’s Boston Marathon are crossing the finish line. What a tremendous effort it takes to run 26 miles, and what a storied place to accomplish such a feat. Imagine, however, if the runners had lined up at the starting line, heard the signal to begin running, but then realize that the course itself was not marked. How could they possibly compete in a 26 mile race if they did not know the path to follow, did not know where to turn, did not even know where the finish line was located? How could they run a race if they did not know the way?

As farfetched an idea as that may be, it is was occurred to me as I read our passage from John for today. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…’” (John 14:5-6). Thomas asked a good question, one that we all should ponder. As we continue on the path of life with all of its twists and turns, with all of its obstacles and obstructions, with all of its potholes and pitfalls we may feel as though there is no hope to reaching the goal for which we strive. How can we navigate the difficulties, finish the race, and arrive where we need to be without some direction? Thomas asked a good question, but Jesus offered an even better answer. If we feel lost or uncertain about where we are headed in life we need only turn to Jesus Christ for guidance. To know God most fully we must attune ourselves to what Jesus says and must pay attention to what he does. These are the markers along the way, these are the indicators of where to go, what to do, how to live. The story of Jesus’ ministry is filled with hope for all who travel though life, and in Jesus’ death and resurrection we find the final assurance that the journey is worthwhile.

The runners in Boston today were guided along the racecourse from start to finish. In Jesus Christ we find our guidance through life from start to finish, from alpha to omega, from beginning to end. And at the end we find a new beginning.

Prayer: Gracious God, give us the strength and courage to turn to Jesus Christ for guidance for the living of these days. Amen.