Believe in God and in Me
Scripture Reading — John 13:33-14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
—John 14:6
Jesus was dealing with deeply troubled disciples. Knowing he would soon be arrested and condemned to die, he told them he would be with them “only a little longer.” And he added, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” For these devoted disciples, that was troubling!
Jesus followed this with a new command to “love one another.” Still, Peter wanted to know more and claimed he would lay down his life for Jesus. Then Jesus predicted that Peter would actually disown him.
Sensing their troubled hearts, Jesus comforted them. He was leaving in order to prepare places for them—rooms in his Father’s house. He said, “You know the way.” But Thomas objected, saying, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus responded with an amazing “I am” statement, underscoring exactly who he was, in a way like God did for Moses many years earlier (Exodus 3:14). Let there be no mistake: Jesus is Lord, one with the Father. And he’s the only way to the Father and to full, eternal life (see John 10:10).
Jesus came to reveal God the Father’s love (John 3:16). And we find comfort in his words: “Believe in God; believe also in me.” He’s our only way to our heavenly Father. That’s why we read these comforting words at bedsides and gravesides. Hold on to them!
Lord Jesus, thank you for responding to your troubled disciples with these words of comfort about our future home with you. Help us to share this good news with others. Amen.
About the author — George Vink
Pastor George Vink has served as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for more than 30 years in British Columbia, Montana, Michigan, and California. He and his wife, Shirley, have four married sons and nine grandchildren.
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