Grace Notes – Gracious Way
“In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way. Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, so 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 by (through) Me.”
John 14:2-6 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Jesus is speaking to His disciples, assuring them that He was going ahead to prepare a home for them to dwell together. They needed clarification on this, not understanding that Jesus was referring to Heaven and that He was preparing the way for them to follow Him there.
Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, had a way of asking questions that got straight to the point. He was confused about where Jesus was going, perhaps assuming He would visit another village, and bluntly asked, “How can we know the way?” Thomas wanted clear directions so they could follow Jesus wherever He went.
Jesus clarifies that He won’t simply show “the way” He is “THE WAY.” His Way was not the way of the world but the way of Truth and Life. Christ took the way toward His Father, the way of the cross. Because Jesus willingly died for our sins, He made the way for us to be reconciled to the Father. Jesus is the gracious way for us to have eternal life in the place He is preparing for all who believe He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
A Touch of Grace:
What does it mean that Jesus is the “Way”?
Which ‘way’ are you choosing today? Are you following Jesus’ path of truth and life, or are you relying on your own understanding?
Grace Application:
The idea for this devotion came from one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Away In A Manger.”
“Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes*;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.” [1]
As I pondered the words of this song, I began to see a play on words. Jesus came as a baby as the Way for us to be reconciled to God. The One who made the stars in the sky and the cattle that lowed is the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He does look down from the sky and stays by our side all night – and all day. Jesus, the Way, is forever close to His dear children and is preparing us for Heaven so we can live with Him there.
As Christmas draws closer, take time to reflect on the One who lay in a humble manger and is the Way for us to live with Him always in the places He is preparing for us. Remember, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – and the only way to the Father is in Him. Rest in the assurance that Jesus is guiding you toward eternal life. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the Way.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus, thank You for coming as a baby and making a way for me to be reconciled to the Father. Holy Spirit, help me remember that Jesus is the only pathway to the Father, and trust that He has gone before me and is preparing a place for me to dwell with Him forever. May I help others to see He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If doubts linger, bring them before God in prayer, trusting His promise of salvation and His faithfulness to confirm your place in Him. Remember, assurance comes through faith in Jesus’ finished work, not by our feelings or deeds. If you need a heart to listen, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at graceisdawing@gmail.com.
[1] https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Away_in_a_Manger/