Advent: Day Twelve – 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. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” —John 14:6–7 (NRSV)

Jesus knew His disciples were distressed. Suggestions of betrayal, abandonment and death had disturbed what might have otherwise been an ordinary Passover feast. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Though He would be with them only a little longer, He assured the disciples He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house where they would one day reunite. In fact, He said they already knew the way to the place to which He was going.

Lord, we don’t know where You’re going. Finding their way home to God and entering close fellowship with Him again—the life Adam and Eve enjoyed briefly with God in the Garden of Eden—seemed an impossible hope. Like Israelites throughout the centuries, the disciples looked to the law, diligently following its regulations and rituals as the guide for maintaining God’s covenant with them. But the way back home to Him, forever? Lord, how can we know the way?

I am the way. Jesus began His earthly ministry with the compelling invitation: Come, follow Me. Now, near the end of His life on earth, He again invites them to come and see. If you want to know the Father, look to Me. I am the way back home to God!

In the Chicago area, a group of Christians and Muslims meets regularly to study their holy books together and discuss what it means to follow God. Inquiry and exploration are encouraged. Trust has grown, along with an appreciation and love for one another. As they seek the way of God together—asking for truth, yearning for life—Jesus’ invitation to come and see echoes within their interfaith dialogue. Some of these Muslims are beginning to see Him in a new light.

Jesus is the Way to knowing God intimately. He’s not only the entry point; He also continues to lead our way to fullness of life with God here and now. This is Good News we’re called to share—introducing Jesus to a waiting world so that many more people will find in Him the way back home to abundant life in His Kingdom.

How is Jesus calling you to come and see more of God this Christmas season? How can you introduce Him to others? Consider inviting someone who doesn’t yet know Him to a Christmas Eve service or a holiday celebration with your family.