Daily Scripture reading for the week is at the end of the page.
Dr. June Normil
As John 14 opened, Jesus had just shared news that disturbed His disciples, yet He encouraged them not to be troubled (John 14:1). Although He was about to leave, they should find solace in their trust in the Lord. Though they could not fully grasp it then, Jesus' departure should have been received as good news. He was going to His Father's house to prepare a place for His followers to dwell. Someday He would return to take them there (verses 2-4). The disciple Thomas wondered how it was that since the disciples weren't clear on where Jesus was going, how they know how to get there? Jesus responded, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (verse 6). Jesus is the only way to the Father, for to know Jesus is to know the Father (verse 7). Jesus offers hope in troubled times. Christians have something great to look forward to, a time and place where the trials of this world will be no more. It will be a place in the Father's presence at Jesus' side. Faith in Jesus is the only way to get there.
[For Personal Reflection] How would you answer someone who says there are many ways that lead to God?
In John 14, Philip's revelation of the Father that Jesus had already supplied was not enough for the disciples. Jesus gently rebuked Philip for his lack of comprehension (verses 9-11). People may struggle to believe in Jesus when hearing only a verbal proclamation of the gospel. Supernatural works done in His name can serve as evidence of the gospel's claims about Jesus, helping lead people to faith in Him (see Acts 8:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:4-5, Hebrews 2:3-4). Jesus encouraged His followers to believe in Him so they could do the works He had been doing. Furthermore, they would do "greater works than these," (John 14:12). Here, "greater" refers to quantity; all through the Book of acts, and even today, we see many of the same kinds of miracles Jesus performed. But, how were such works possible? Godly prayers--ones that seek the glory of the Father and His kingdom--are powerful and effective (verses 13-14; see James 5:16). And so, as we pray it is important to remember that godly prayers are not self-centered or self-serving. They reflect God's promises and seek His will for ourselves and others. If you are a Christian, you can do works that lead others to faith in Jesus and bring glory to God. Through your words and actions others can see the love of Jesus made real in their lives.
[For Personal Reflection] Jesus revealed the Father. What does your life reveal to others about Jesus?
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have the privilege of enjoying freedom and fellowship with God the Father. Through faith in Jesus, you receive forgiveness for your sins. He frees you from slavery to sin so you can, by the power of the Holy Spirit, say no to sin and yes to what is right. Through the Christian life, you learn to walk in the Spirit and experience the abundant life found in Christ. You are never alone in the Christian life, because you have become a child of God through faith in Jesus. As part of God's family, you can grow in your relationship with Him. Make that relationship-your walk with God-a bigger priority in your life each and every day.
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD!
Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 101 Number 1 Sep. Oct. Nov. 2019 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.