Location Location Location

Here's a familiar one:  "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father but by me."  This selection from John's Gospel was part of the lectionary reading and it got me thinking about the most common understanding of the point of the text - or at least the one I encounter most frequently.  The verse is usually taken to be a vindication of our beliefs as Christians.  As Christians we claim Jesus as the unique Savior.  And Jesus says if there is going to be any saving done, it's going to be by him - Dominical support of the our claim that Jesus is the Savior.  "Païens ont tort et Chrétiens ont droit."* to quote La Chanson de Roland. 

I want to be clear that I take this to be true - that Jesus is THE Savior. And in this matter I am with the author of La Chanson.  However, I am not convinced that when Jesus first said this that he was intending to affirm or vindicate his disciples' beliefs.  I don't think he was trying to tell them that they "ont droit."  The reason I suspect this is all about location - the location in the biblical text where the comment comes - reading it in its context.

What is happening is that Jesus is preparing the disciples for the fact that he is going to go away to prepare a place for them.  He assures them they know the way to where he is going.  Thomas assures Jesus that they do not: "We do not even know where you are going, much less the way."

Jesus response, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me, " is not intended to assure Thomas that he is right.  It is actually a gentle correction.  He is mistaken and has misunderstood something.  He is wrong.  

Thomas is looking for the information, the plan, the road map.  And aren't we all.  He wants to know the formula for spiritual success - to know both where Jesus is going and how to get there.  I have often thought it would be awesome if Jesus provided me with a detailed flight plan.  I have yet to receive one.  Thomas, like me, wants the right knowledge, the correct technique and find assurance in that knowledge.

But there is no map and there is no technique.  There is only (and the use of the word "only" here is nearly blasphemous) - there is only a Person.  To know him is to know the way.  He is it.  "No one comes to the Father but my me" is not necessarily a validation of my theology but an invitation for me (and all) to know Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

The advantage to a map or technique is that I can follow it.  Emphasis on I.  No surprises and guaranteed success if we follow and execute.  Sounds perfect.  But it is not the option given - although we often try to make it thus creating rules and rolling out techniques for spiritual success. 

The option given is a Person - relationship with One to whom we must learn to listen and obey.  Harder then rules and maps but more like Love and Life (two other things that He also is.) 

*Pagans are wrong and Christians are right.