Read: John 14
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/john-13-21/
Pray: Jesus, you are my path to godliness; you are the truth upon which I stand, and you are the life by which I live!
For three years they had walked with Jesus. They heard his teachings; they saw the amazing things he did. True, most of the time they were puzzled, confused, and dazed. He talked in riddles, contradictions, and illustrations that just didn’t make sense. Yet, they stayed with him, even when others walked away. They had given up everything to sit at his feet. They had learned to trust him even though he wasn’t quite what they had expected him to be…
Now, they were back in the capital city, their holy place. Thousands of them had hailed him as king; he even rode into town on a young donkey. They were shocked that this king would strip down to a towel and dane to wash their feet, yet, they allowed him to do so, some protested. After, they sat down to the most special meal of the year to remember and share. He took the bread of remembrance and the wine and told them they represented his blood and body that would be broken and spilled out for all. Immediately after that, he said they would all deny him and one would betray him. This sent them into blame and denial. One slipped away.
All this left each of them feeling confused, heavy-hearted and anxious. Then he said, “don’t allow your hearts to be troubled.” He continued, “Trust in God and trust in me!” He followed this, however, by saying again he was going away, and we knew the way. I objected, “How can we know the way when we don’t even know where you are going!”
Then, in a gentle but firm way, he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” “You know me, you know my father!” They began to understand. He had used this special phrase before. “I AM!” That week they witnessed Him become the Great I AM!
He IS our way – to a relationship with Father-God.
He IS our – truth upon which we stand and rest!
He IS our life- by which we have abundant and eternal life!
Discussion Questions:
Personal Application – After witnessing all these events, the disciples began to understand Jesus more deeply. How has your understanding of Jesus grown over time? What has helped you draw closer to Him?
Following Through Uncertainty – The disciples stayed with Jesus even when they didn’t fully understand him. Have you ever experienced a time when you had to trust without fully understanding? How did that shape your faith or perspective?
Expectations vs. Reality – The disciples expected a different kind of Messiah. How do our expectations of God sometimes differ from who He truly is? How can we align our expectations with His truth?
Servant Leadership – Jesus, the one hailed as King, washed His disciples’ feet. What does this teach us about leadership and humility? How can we apply this in our own lives?
The Last Supper – Jesus used bread and wine to represent his sacrifice. What does this moment mean to you personally? How does it shape your understanding of communion?
Fear and Trust – Jesus told His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled and to trust in Him. What are some ways we can combat fear and anxiety with trust in God today?
The Way, the Truth, and the Life – What does it mean to you that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”? How does this impact your daily life and relationship with God?
Denial and Betrayal – The disciples struggled with doubt, denial, and even betrayal. How do you relate to their struggles? What does Jesus’ response to them teach us about His grace?