DESTINATIONS

We’re really keen on getting to our destinations, getting from A to B; making it to work as quickly as possible. Efficiency is king. Sort out an action plan, get the job done. For us getting to B is the aim, it’s the target, the highest priority. But does our focus on getting to the destination sometimes distract us from the value of the journey?  

Well, there’s this quite abstract conversation that Thomas has with Jesus in John 14:1-8 where Jesus tells his disciples that he is off somewhere.

Jesus says:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas’ reply is,

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way…”

It’s a bit tricky, because this conversation is being had on two levels. Jesus is talking about his death and resurrection, where he will be with his Father and Thomas is thinking of a place to travel to, a location where Jesus is going and what the route and transportation might look like. This conversation is interesting, because it reveals something about the way God thinks and the way we think.

Often when we have a problem and we go to pray, it’s to find the solution, to fix the problem, get what we need. After all, Jesus said “Ask and you shall receive.” However, the issue comes where we make our aims the primary expectation of such an interaction with God. When we pray just to receive an answer, we might leave our prayer time disappointed. We may also have missed something. What if, rather than giving us all the solutions, Jesus wants us to receive from his presence. What if time with him is actually the better way, because he is the way? For Jesus, to know him is to have what we need. Whilst Thomas is hoping to be told some directions for the solution to his destination query, Jesus is saying that he is the access point (the door if you like) for Thomas’ need. Isn’t that true that we are often after the details of knowing how to get out of a mess, or what decision to make, when Jesus maybe wants us to stress less in the journey and walk with him along the way.

Jesus is revealing to his disciples (and to us) that he is the only access point to God. A lot of people waste a lot of time trying to figure out another way, often bypassing Jesus altogether and ending up getting lost in it all. But Jesus reveals to us that on the other side of death is a place prepared for those who know and follow him. In the meantime we are meant to travel this life hand-in-hand with Jesus.

So what are your expectations for the new year? Is your focus going to be on the destination and needs that you have for this year? Because this may cause your agenda to distract you from Jesus. Why not approach this year with the expectation that Jesus is the way. If he doesn’t give you that immediate solution, you can still continue knowing that you have been with him and that he is with you in whatever you have to face.

Paul Martin has worked as a Youth Pastor for over 21 years. He is the author of the three volume youth ministry curriculum Inspire. A resource for busy youth workers (click website picture below to see more). He has also written a number of Bible study devotional books for young people. He is currently a home group leader with his wife Debs and is working on a new publication.

Photo: Fabian Jones - Unsplash