John 13-15

It took me around 15 minutes to read this passage.  In John 14:6 Jesus describes himself with three words pictures; the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Trying to understand how his nature is portrayed in each and all of these pictures is difficult.  The Way is probably the easiest to define.  In the western states there is a lot of open range.  This is where herds of cattle are allowed to roam as they will searching for food and water.  Though the animal in the lead  might be followed by hundreds there is no set course for the herd to follow.  They all move where the leading animal moves.  But intersecting the open range at various intervals are road, read Ways.  These roads have been intentionally laid out for various purposes.  It was along these roads that the road builders put landmarks, supply stops, and settlements.  The roads are normally smoother than the range, though not necessarily flat.  When Jesus claimed he was THE Way he was also indicating that the road he has built was the only road in the entire range.  It was along his road that markers have been set.  These markers provide information, guidance, and assurance for those who are travelling on the road.  Jesus built supply stops on his road; the range will provide food for the herds, but there are not charted or planned.  The food is only where the seed fell.  And it’s on the road where the settlements are, I see these as the church.  The people seeking the road builder live on the road, and they help out others who are travelling the road.  When Jesus calls himself the Way he describes an intentional action of guidance and provision.

Stuart