Year A
Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Contextual Background:
In the farewell discourse, Jesus comforts his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He assures them of a place in God’s house and declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Within the Jewish Tradition:
Wisdom was seen as the way of life and truth (Proverbs, Sirach). God’s house was the temple; Jesus reimagines it as God’s dwelling with humanity. In Hebrew this is halachah. In Arabic this is shariah. In Arabic Christian Scriptures, Jesus is the shariah, the path to water, the path to life. Nearly every tradition in the world uses the idea of a path or way to mean the whole approach to life of that tradition.
The Challenge Then:
The challenge was to trust Jesus’ way amid fear and uncertainty, even as he was about to be crucified.
The Challenge Now:
Our world offers many “ways” of success, control, or escape. Jesus insists that true life is found in his way — vulnerability, service, courageous love.
This verse is often used to bully people who respect and work with people of other traditions. You can read my reflection on this here.
Implications for Leaders & Communities:
- Leaders: point not to themselves but to Jesus’ way.
- Communities: practice Jesus’ truth through integrity, justice, and hospitality.
What I Am Learning:
The way of Jesus is not a doctrine to master but a life to live. This is a way of seeing others as human and the creation as the gift of God. To honor the creation and other humans is to honor the Creator.
The Question I’m Sitting With:
How can I walk Jesus’ way when fear tempts me to seek easier paths?
