The story of “the doubting Thomas” was instrumental in the revelation of Jesus’ profound statement that He is the way, the truth, and the life. This declaration encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ mission and the path to salvation for all Christians.
I Am the Way
In response to Thomas’s inquiry, Jesus clarified that He is the only way to the Father. This has deep roots in the Old Testament, where Joshua (the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus) led the Israelites to the Promised Land through the Jordan River. Similarly, Jesus, as the new Joshua, leads us to the promised land of eternal life through His baptism, symbolizing our passage from sin to redemption.
The cross of Jesus serves as the bridge connecting earth and heaven, offering reconciliation with God. Jesus calls us to follow Him by denying ourselves, taking up our own crosses, and living in alignment with His teachings: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mt 16:24).
I Am the Truth
The ultimate truth is God, and Jesus embodies that truth because He is God incarnate. Human understanding is limited, often leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. However, Jesus reveals God’s truth in a way we can comprehend. His core teachings emphasize love for God and humanity, guiding us towards eternal truth in heaven.
Jesus declared, “He who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from Him” (Jn 8:26). This means that His teachings are the ultimate truth. Unlike the synoptic Gospels, John associates truth directly with Jesus, describing Him as “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14) and stating that “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (Jn 1:17).
Jesus also referred to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth, continuing to reveal heavenly truths to believers (Jn 14:17). In contrast, Satan, described as the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44), opposes truth. He deceived Eve, leading to humanity’s fall, making truth divine and lies devilish.
I Am the Life
God, the Creator of the universe, brought everything into existence through His Word. When the Word became flesh, Jesus came as both God and man. As the source of eternal life, Jesus offers us everlasting life by rescuing us from the death that resulted from the fall of Adam and Eve. Through His resurrection, Jesus assures us of our resurrection and victory over death.
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are immensely blessed to know that Jesus is the way to the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the giver of eternal life. This knowledge illuminates our path and guides us towards eternal communion with God. Those who do not know Jesus or have abandoned faith in Him remain in spiritual darkness, risking eternal separation from God.
We are called to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, embracing His way, His truth, and His life. This commitment requires us to live out His teachings, embody His love, and share the message of salvation with others. By doing so, we secure our own salvation and become beacons of light, guiding others towards the way, the truth, and the life found in Jesus Christ.
May we continually seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus, walk in His way, live in His truth, and receive His life. Let us be witnesses to His grace, spreading His love and truth in a world that desperately needs it.