Apr 28 2019 John 14:1-7

And you know the way to the place where I am going.

Jesus has told his disciples he’s leaving them, returning to the father. The disciples will be persecuted, but take courage! Jesus has defeated the world, and he’ll be back. Besides, today we read that Jesus affirms that they know the way to the place where he’s going. 

I’m right with Thomas, who responds that they cannot know the way, when they don’t even know where he’s going. How can they know the way? Thomas hears, as I do, that Jesus is affirming they know the route or map directions on how to get to the destination. Jesus answers that he, Jesus, is the way. 

I don’t think he’s saying that he’s the mapped directions, but rather he’s the method or manner needed to achieve something. It’s the difference between the way to the grocery store to buy flour and yeast, versus the way to mix, knead and bake the ingredients to make a loaf of bread. 

Thomas hears that Jesus is heading somewhere in particular, a particular store, and he’s questioning whether they have mapped the directions to get there. More than saying that Jesus himself is the route, this morning, I’m thinking about Jesus being the particular method to follow to achieve a lovely loaf of bread. 

Jesus isn’t affirming for them that he’s googled the route. It’s not a physical destination he’s talking about. Rather, by following Jesus’ way of loving God and loving your neighbor, we can achieve what we pray in the Lord’s Prayer – thy kingdom come, on earth. Jesus is the recipe to get there. This morning, I’m thinking about good crusty bread.