the Jesus way

Scripture: John 14
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ 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. If you know me, you will know^* my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
 Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.


Observation:
The gospel of John insists that to see, know, love, and trust Jesus is to see, know, love, and trust God.  Jesus embodies the vision and values of God the Father (creator of life).  To follow Jesus is to embrace a particular way of life.  This way of life is demonstrated by Jesus' teachings---both works and words. If we want to understand the mind and heart of God, see Jesus.  Jesus invites us into his life, because it is a good life.  With Jesus, we experience the fullest life possible---a whole life.  It is characterized by love.  Jesus is a master of human relationships, practicing forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation with others. Jesus called disciples and trained them in his competencies and character, so that they might carry on his works of love in the world.  He promised them a place with him---ongoing relationship and a sense of home.  He promises to authorize their prayers/works, as if he himself were doing it.  He shows us that God is a relationship---God is pure,constant , unending, unfailing love.

 Application:
Discipleship is about a relationship with Jesus.  He teaches what it is to be fully alive in God, to live as if people and places matter, to be dedicated to the healing and restoration of all that God has made. He says that light is stronger than darkness, love stronger than hate, life stronger than death.  Jesus' resurrection signifies that he still exists, that he is still available, and that we can know him two millenia after he walked among people. Resurrection means that we don't have to be afraid and that his teaching still matters.  It transcends its original context and audience.  If you want to know about God, listen to and look at Jesus.  He is available in the gospel stories of his life.  I continue to get to know Jesus every day.  And I learn something from him every day.  He teaches me how to love, who to live, and what love can do.  He gives me courage to love others with compassion and humility.   

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, your way is good, if not easy.  I am still learning and sometimes I feel like I'm just beginning.  But I trust your love.  I desire your peace.  I am amazed in your power to heal and to forgive. Thanks for including me somehow in your life.  Amen.