Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyنموونە

Legacy: Jesus is the way.

I’m very much a detail person. When planning a trip, I need to have every aspect under control and every eventuality accounted for. The day before setting out may produce a sleepless night if I don’t know exactly where we’re going and how we’re getting there.

We sense a similar anxiety in today’s reading from the start of the ‘Farewell Discourse’, Jesus’ speech about how the disciples will continue his legacy. Jesus reveals he will be leaving, and, clearly, this news has troubled their hearts. Thomas seems confounded by the lack of detail. You can almost hear him protest, ‘Lord – we don’t even know where you’re going, let alone how we can get there too!’ Jesus’ reply is both incredibly complex and profoundly simple: ‘I am the way.’ Jesus is saying that even when we have questions about where we are going, knowing and following him is enough to get us there.

This promise is as true for life into eternity as it is for life in the present. When considering our own participation in God’s mission, we might also have questions about where we’re going and how we’re getting there, but these verses remind us that Jesus is the way. When we’re looking for direction, fixing our eyes on Jesus and orienting our lives around him is sure to show us the way. Legacy, fruit that will last, comes from following Jesus, who is the way even when we don’t know where we’re going.

Reflect on these words of Arch R. Wiggins and make them your prayer for today:

Thou art the way, none other dare I follow;
Thou art the truth, and thou hast made me free;
Thou art the life, the hope of my tomorrow;
Thou art the Christ who died for me.
This is my creed that, ’mid earth’s sin and sorrow,
My life may guide men unto thee.

Arch R. Wiggins (Salvation Army Song Book 628 v 1)