During His trial, Christ told Pilate His purpose: “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” To which Pilate famously asked, “What is truth?” (John 18: 37-38). His question was rhetorical—he probably didn’t really want an answer. But Jesus had given the disciples this answer already, and we hear it in today’s Gospel reading. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). As Christian disciples, we are called to listen to Christ’s voice and follow Him.
Jesus is the Way to our heavenly home where God the Father has prepared a place for us (John 14:2). He is the heavenly path that Isaiah foretold: “A highway will be there, called the holy way…there the redeemed shall walk, And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy” (Isaiah 35: 8-10).
Jesus is the Truth. A key part of discipleship is to learn and know the Word of God given to us in the Bible. Jesus told His disciples, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Knowledge of the truth given to us in the Word helps us to be free from sin and death.
Jesus is the Life that fills us with joy and peace. He shares His life with us, and through Him we receive eternal life: “And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11).
Imagine Jesus on the Cross as this holy gate, a blessed path who you will approach on your day of judgment. If we belong to the truth, we will recognize His voice as He calls us and we will follow Him joyfully: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). This is discipleship! To recognize the Lord’s voice and follow Him. This week, consider challenging yourself to read a little from your Bible each day, asking the Holy Spirit to open the truth of scripture to you and help you hear and know the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Jesus, You are my Way, my Truth, and my Life. Lead me, Lord, by the light of Your truth.