There is much that we are grieving as a society in the pandemic. What have you personally lost because of this virus? Grief commonly has “stages,” which can include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance and finding meaning in the suffering. One possible meaning is a renewed and deepened relationship with God. It was a feeling of grief among the disciples that prompted Jesus to give the teaching in chapter 14. In their case, they were grieving the imminent departure of Jesus, but his teaching here is helpful for anyone facing hardship or loss.

Jesus is the Way forward.

He claims to be the way, the truth and the life (v. 6). This teaching likely is the reason that the faith was called “The Way” among the early church prior to being dubbed “Christianity.” Following Jesus along his way involves both a “going” and a “knowing.”

Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead of them to prepare a place in his Father’s house, which has ample room for all. This is a metaphor for heaven. It helps us through grief because we learn that this life is not all there is. History is heading to a grand conclusion which involves eternal life in God’s presence for anyone who wants to be there and is willing to trust in Christ as the way.

Jesus also describes the importance of personally knowing God. In fact, he came to reveal to us the nature of God. He tells Philip, “whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (v. 9). Jesus opened the way for us each to personally know God and experience his presence through the hardships and grief of life. Such a relationship naturally invites us into prayer (v. 13). 

Taking It Home: Make an actual list of things that you have lost recently. Share it with God in prayer. Invite him to open your heart to the hope of things to come and the consolation of his constant presence in your life.