By Klaus Döring
Most followers of Jesus are familiar with this verse. It’s commonly read in churches. However we often miss the significance and richness of what Jesus is actually teaching us.
He does not offer a linear route or a series of actions. He offers Himself. In very simple straightforward words, He declares, “I am the way.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:5-6)
Many times we compare our life with a path. We talk about “the way”. We describe a determined man as, “He’s on the right track”. We go about our tracks, but we are reproved if we take a short-cut and not the path across a rice-field. We learn that there are many ways of solving problems.
We also don’t want to stand in other people’s way. Sometimes we prefer to keep out of someone’s way and plan to avoid getting in their way. Often we try to find the golden middle course.
Many different ways have been offered to us during our whole life. How can we be able to choose the right and correct one? Which signs can be trusted blindly? These are urgent and vital questions for all of us, and, especially during this time, very important like never before.
In the past, traditions and customs are the paths we took. Nowadays, we make decisions and long for the correct path – mostly on our own.
The German atom-physician Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976) described it very impressively. The man of today is like a ship’s captain. This ship is made out of iron. The compass needle is no longer able to show the Northern direction, as expected, because of the ship’s iron inflexible body. You have one choice only: look up to the stars and study their guiding support!”
We’re all happy and proud, when we have every need at our disposal. On the other hand, it only confuses our aims, goals, and objectives in life.
“I am the way” is NOT ONLY a traffic sign – or a shepherd without responsibility – or a religious founder, who thinks, that “only he is the right way, if one follows him”… .
HIS way is the only right way. Only His deeds colored our fates. Let’s keep our eyes open for the important signs at our way, such as:
– Unselfish participation in the life of others;
– Courage to uncover prejudice;
– Ready to help the unprotected and defenseless;
– Struggle for freedom and justice;
– Commitment for peace.
Most of all: Love, which does not calculate and count. Love without measurements, boundaries and limits.
If you can share with others, you’ll know one day in future, that someone walked this way – earlier than you – and, and, FOR YOU!
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