“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6

This statement is one of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. On the night before the Lord Jesus went to Calvary, He prepared His disciples for the days ahead. These men had been following Him for over three years, learning from His teaching and example. They had placed their hopes in Him as the Messiah, the promised Deliverer, yet they still didn’t understand how He would accomplish that deliverance.

After the Passover meal, the Lord began speaking about His departure, which led to questions from His disciples. In John 13:33, Jesus said:

“Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.”

This prompted Peter to ask where He was going (John 13:36). Peter and the others did not understand that Jesus was speaking of His death and ascension to heaven. Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter is the first of four disciples to ask questions in response to Jesus’ statement in verse 33: Peter (13:36–14:4); Thomas (14:5–7); Philip (14:7–21); Judas (not Iscariot) (14:22–31);

It’s interesting to note that part of the Passover tradition involved a time for questions to be asked (Exodus 12:26–27). Still misunderstanding, Peter declared that he would follow the Lord anywhere—even to the point of laying down his life. The disciples were clearly troubled and grieved in their hearts (John 14:1, 27; 16:6, 20–22), giving us insight into the somber and serious atmosphere in the upper room.

In His response, the Lord Jesus gives a threefold answer to comfort and instruct His disciples:

The Object of Our Faith – His Person: “You believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

The Promise of a Heavenly Home: “In My Father’s house are many mansions…” (John 14:2)

The Prospect of His Return: “I will come again and receive you to Myself…” (John 14:3)

Then the Lord said, “And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:4). Speaking on behalf of the others, Thomas replied that they did not know where He was going, and therefore could not know the way.

In response, Jesus gave the sixth of His seven “I Am” statements:

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Anchor For Today:
The comfort and encouragement for the Lord’s people in a day of trouble is occupation with His blessed person and the prospect of His soon return to take us to be with Himself in the Father’s house.