Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:1-7)
Even though many blind people are able to find their way about, mainly in familiar territory and with special aids, they are better served when someone leads them. The person who leads them serves as their eyes. Consequently, they are protected from walking into dangerous objects.
As we walk through this life, we are like blind people. We cannot see the future, therefore, we often make mistakes, going in the wrong direction.
For this reason, we too need someone to lead us. This is why we need Jesus. He guides us and leads us, bringing hope and comfort to our lives.
In the above text, Jesus speaks words of comfort to his disciples that are also intended for us today. He informs them of his impending departure to prepare a place for them.
His disclosure gave them concern about the future. What would happen to them when their master and friend was no longer around? How would they manage?
His going away was not an earthly mission. He was returning to the place from whence he came. He was going back to the father, to his heavenly kingdom.
Unfortunately, while Jesus was speaking of heavenly things, the disciples were thinking about earthly things. Like the disciples, many Christians are confused and often ask the question, "How can I be sure that I will go to heaven?" Jesus answers this question for all in the text.
The words of this text are quite familiar to many. They are the comforting words that are commonly used at Christian funerals and memorial services.
These words of Jesus to the disciples, serve us well when we experience the loss of loved ones: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except through me."
Jesus also gives the assurance that as long as we place our faith in him, we are guaranteed eternal life. This life eternal is in heaven. Yes, heaven is guaranteed to all whose faith rests in Jesus the only begotten son.
He assures us and all who believe in him that he will return for his church. His vicarious action on the cross and his return from the grave redeems us and gives us life. Yes, life eternal.
We all encounter obstacles in this life, particularly in the face of tragedy. The evil one constantly throws missiles in our way. He tries to get us to doubt our savior's promise.
Notwithstanding this, we have no need to fear because Jesus is the way. His promise cannot be broken. Nothing and no one can change that. Our salvation is guaranteed.
I pray that you keep your eyes fastened on Jesus Christ. Trust him to deliver you, especially when you experience difficult times or you feel depressed. Be reminded, Jesus is "the way and the truth and the life." He will guide you out of any maze. Amen.
o Rev. Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas, telephone: 426-9084 E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com, Website: www.nassaulutheranchurch.org.

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