There is an uncomfortable silence that often hovers between two followers of Jesus Christ (Christians). The discomfort is the product of an often asked question. The question? “How is your walk of faith?” That question can take many forms: “How is your prayer life, how is your journey of dying to self, how closely are you following Jesus, or what Bible passages are you memorizing and meditating on for the purpose of applying, and eradicating that wretched and tempting sin which never seems to abate? I am aware that in many churches or Christian settings, such questions are rarely asked, but where they are, that deafening silence resounds. That silence bespeaks shame, offense and possibly anger. Often, the silence is broken by the explanation, “Not as good as it should be”, as if such words are an answer to the question. So, the question concerning our spiritual condition is only answered by the silence.
As troublesome as the silence may seem, it does provide an opportunity….an opportunity to ask an additional question. How is the silence broken? The silence is not only broken by acknowledging our failings, but directing them to Christ and Christ-ones (Christians). Such was the case with Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. As a refresher, the context of the beginning verses of John 14 is sorrow. The disciples had recently learned that one of them would betray Jesus (John 13:21), that Jesus was going away (John 13:33), and that Peter, one of their leaders would disown Jesus three times before the dawn (John 13:36-38). Shortly thereafter, Jesus again informed His disciples that He was going away, and that they knew the way. Thomas responded, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
Thomas’ contradiction of Christ’s declaration should not confuse us, for although Jesus had more than informed The Disciples of His pending death and glory, the circumstances of life can influence a forgetfulness, even amid the familiar. Tenney notes, “Thomas despaired of ever learning the way and was not ready to accept a state of permanent bewilderment. His question revealed a man who was confused by life and felt that its riddles were insolvable”1
So it is with us when we are not actively knowing (following, submitting to and rejoicing in) The Way. I encourage you to listen and reason with me through the gospel of John 14:4-7, and know Him. Keith Garrett