Trick or Treat, Part 2

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Again asking a question is not a bad thing if the motive for asking is pure. Unlike the Pharisee who attempted to entrap Jesus with their questions, Thomas asked a question for the purpose of gaining knowledge. In an effort to comfort the disciples, Jesus told them not to worry. Instead as they believed in God, they should also believe in Him. He further told them that He was going to return to His Father’s house which had many mansions. He was going to prepare a place for them and He would come back and take them with Him. If what He was telling them was not true, He assured them that He would not have said it.  The next statement Jesus made compelled Thomas to ask a question. Jesus said, “You know the way to the place where I am going”. That statement raised a red flag for Thomas. Not sure of where the place is or the way to get there, Thomas said what the others were thinking. There always seems to be one person in the crowd that makes himself the self-appointed spokesperson, who will ask or say what the others are afraid to ask or say. Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Thomas was not testing Jesus. He needed more clarity and was not afraid to ask for it. Scriptures tell us that if we lack wisdom to ask God for it. Because you are a follower of Christ does not exempt you from the tricks of your adversary, the devil. Therefore, you must diligently seek the LORD. Answering Thomas’ question, Jesus made a declaration that only He could have made. He said unapologetically, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. The TLB reads, “Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! [Jesus] The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose its easy way. But the Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. Prior to telling the disciples about the “Gateway to Life”, He said, “Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Anyone who seeks, finds. If only you will knock, the door will open. If a child asks his father for a loaf of bread, will he be given a stone instead? If he asks for fish, will he be given a poisonous snake? Of course not”! Ask. The treat that is available to all who will follow Jesus, the way and the truth is life. If we want to see the Father, we must go through Jesus, the author of salvation. Recognize the trick(s); avoid the trick(s) and strive for the treat(s). That is, abundant life now and eternal life in the Father’s mansions in the future.

Scripture References: Mark 10:2-9; John 14:1-6; James 1:5; Matthew 7:7-10

Prayer for Today:   Father, by the power of Holy Spirit, help me to recognize and avoid the tricks and to diligently strive in faith for the treats of abundant life and life eternal with You.  In JESUS name. AMEN.

Whatever you must do today, there is a grace for that. Accept the grace and make it a sweatless day.

Love                                                                    

Dianne