The Direction-less Gospel
John 14:5: "Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus's words to his disciples are filled with promise: a place prepared for them with the Father, a future together. Yet, like us, the disciples initially filter this good news through the lens of duty. They hear promise and instinctively translate it into obligation. This is the natural inclination of what theologians call "theologians of glory"—we tend to focus on what wemust do. Jesus speaks of what He has done and will do.
[Excursus] Imagine preparing for a beloved guest. My sister excels at this. When we visit her for Christmas, she meticulously anticipates my preferences. She stocks my favorite coffee, my preferred beer, the snacks I enjoy—items she wouldn't normally have in her own home. She prepares the guest room with thoughtful touches: water, chargers, fresh towels. Everything needed, and even a few things just wanted.
Now, picture Jesus doing this for you. Specifically, for you. This place He prepares is first and foremost a place of sonship, of unconditional acceptance and love—a home beyond anything we've experienced. I imagine Him saying, "Let me show you your place!" Maybe it includes an indoor basketball court with adjustable rims, a sauna for recovery, and an outdoor patio with a fireplace where we can gather with Paul, John, and Luther to discuss theology. And when I inevitably ask, "Why would you do this for me?" Jesus simply smiles and winks, "Because you're one of my favorites." We laugh, embrace, and share a cup of coffee together.
(End of excursus – I hope you understand the depth of His love for you. You might not be his favorite, but He loves you immensely.)
Returning to the text: Jesus tells the disciples He must leave to prepare a place for them. Thomas, practical as ever, responds, "We don't know where you are going! How can we know how to get there if we don't know where it is?" Thomas's confusion is palpable. He's looking for a roadmap, a set of instructions. He wants to know the how so he can do it.
But Thomas misses a crucial point. Jesus isn't giving instructions; He's describing what will happen to them. It's the classic active/passive mix-up. Thomas is thinking religion (what he must do), while Jesus is speaking promise (what He has already done). Thomas is focused on the doing, Jesus on the done.
Jesus's response is profound: "I am the way." Thomas sought instructions, but he found a person. "I'm not asking you to do anything, Thomas," we can almost hear Jesus say,"I'm telling you to find yourself in Me."
"I am the way. I am the one who has done the work. I am the one who is making the journey. I am the accomplisher; you are the receiver. You don't need to worry about the doing or the journey. I secured the place, I am preparing the place, I will come back for you, and I will take you with me. That's it. That's everything. You, my friend will be taken along for the ride!"
This is where we find ourselves. Like Thomas, we, too, are often theologians of glory, confident in our ability to follow instructions when given to us. We see Christianity through the lens of religion, focusing on our own efforts. Jesus reminds us that it's about His efforts. And for all our anxious striving, for all our attempts at doing that diminish Christ's finished work, for all our misplaced faith in our own abilities, what do we receive? In the name of Christ our Savior, we receive… forgiveness. Your sins are forgiven, and your place is secure because it is all IN CHRIST. Hallelujah. Amen.
