“Way” is an interesting and universal word.
Even as a little boy, I remember being taught the ‘way’ things needed to be done. When I was old enough, the ‘way’ was also my own little path in the woods that I constructed. When I learned to sail, the ‘way’ to the opposite shore was a point to aim while tacking in windy waters to get there. As I learned to observe the heavens, I learned a ‘way’ to make my eyes hop from one star to another in a specific direction to arrive at an object I could not see as well without those pointers. ‘Way’ is a path through the woods with markers on our North Carolina property. A couple of hundred miles to the West, one can walk the Appalachian Trail all the ‘way’ to Maine. The whole trail ‘way’ has periodic marks on rocks and trees to point to the right direction in case the path is hidden by snow or obstacles.
In a more serious tone, a mother or father might lament that their grown child has lost his way, which presumes a destination of fruitfulness that now seems impossible because of the son’s bad decisions that made an unhealthy path. The idea of being lost without good direction is similar. Sometimes a ‘way’ forward seems unreachable. Some ‘ways’ seem destructive or without peace.
So, the universal term ‘way’ is used in the Bible. Christ uses it with a claim that is either starkly true or an utter lie. The clarity of this statement begs examination: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In the conversation there is a lack of understanding by one of the disciples, who, like me, sometimes looks for a specific sign, like a well-worn path with markers to get to a result. Rather, it is a Person. Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God and stated that He had perfect unity with the Father. He tells the questioning disciple if he knows Him, he knows the Father.
Then He goes further about the ‘way’ by stating a proof: the long line of works and miracles testify that Christ’s claims are correct, so He really is the way and the truth and the life. Then He goes further, as the record shows, by giving Himself up when He had the power to save Himself. After His death on the cross, He went further – rising from the dead. The risen Christ visits his disciples. His disciples then obey Him to wait, because He said He would send the Holy Spirit. That happened, too. So, through the ages we find transformed lives of many who testify that He is the Way. The original believers were called those of the ‘Way.’
Then, just a few decades ago, I received Christ also. He gave peace in the core of my soul, just like my ancient brothers and sisters. I still sometimes want pointers and better markers to find solutions to parts of life, but I realize that Christ is the answer There is no other. Life is all about a relationship with Him. He is the Way.
I still construct walking paths and use them. We point visitors to the way to follow the path through the woods, across the lowland, and around the pond at GateWay. When I have a chance, I go further to ask, “Do you know the Way, the Truth, and the Life?” That relationship is available, but not as an add-on, a little diversion, or a temporary delight. It is a relationship that becomes life itself and embodies peace for the weary and heavy laden. There is nothing like it. To follow Him means it will never end.
Bible reference scene: John 14:1-11
