Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

John

John 
Day 
Day 190

What had the disciples learned?

Text: John 14 : 1 - 11

WHAT HAD THE DISCIPLES LEARNED?

How well had the Disciples understood Jesus? They must have had a fair amount of knowledge of His teachings. They had heard Him expounding the Scriptures so often for three whole years! But what had they actually learned and understood?

Had their understanding been confined to mere intellectual assimilation of knowledge? If so, then they had not understood what Jesus had been trying to teach them all this while!

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE QUESTION THOMAS RAISED

Let us take a closer look at what Thomas said to Jesus.

“Lord, we do not know where You are going,
and how can we know the way?”
John 14:5

How are we to understand Thomas’ blunt outburst? Jesus had specifically told His Disciples that He was going to return to His Father. That was a clear reference to His death! Why then did Thomas express that he did not understand what seemed to be a plain statement?

There were two parts to Thomas’ statement. He linked the two elements together. His problem seemed to be located in the second part of the statement. His query focused on what Jesus said earlier.

“And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
John 14:4

What exactly was “the way”? Jesus spoke with great certainty about the way that God had chosen for Him. But to be very honest, Thomas did not understand what “the way” really meant. What couldn’t Thomas understand? Among other things, he did not seem to understand how death could be the way that God had marked out for Jesus. He could not understand why Jesus had to die. He knew of course that all must die one day, but why Jesus? Why death at His age? These were puzzling thoughts indeed. Could this be the way that God would lead?

What about the Disciples? Would they have to endure the same kind of suffering as Jesus? Would that also be “the way” for them? Thomas obviously found it hard to fathom what Jesus taught about “the way”? Who would teach them “the way” if He died?

MORE LIGHT ON “THE WAY”

Let us take a look at some passages that speak on this subject of the ways of God. The Psalmist David wrote on this in this Psalm.

“Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me…”
Psalm 25:4-5

On further reflection, David expanded his thoughts on “the way”.

“Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…”
Psalm 25:8-10

As he meditated further, David wrote,


“Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.”
Psalm 25:12

David spoke of how the Lord would teach and guide those who feared Him. He would reveal to them His ways! Was Thomas thinking of the same thing as he voiced his doubt to Jesus? He certainly wasn’t trying to be impertinent or obdurate. He just wanted clearer guidance from Jesus. Could He speak more on the subject of “the way”? Were there specific guidelines that Jesus could offer? Were there definite and concrete ways in which Jesus could be even more specific when He spoke to the Disciples about “the way”?

“I AM THE WAY…”

One of the most profound truths was taught in this statement! Jesus took Thomas’ question seriously. He understood what this disciple was driving at. He wanted specific guidelines so that he could know the leading of God in his life!

Perhaps Thomas was aware of the way in which the Lord led great servants of God in the Old Testament times. The prophets of old certainly seemed to know the way God led them. The Lord gave to them His Word. The Lord taught them what to say. The Lord even told them where they were to go and preach His Word (The writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel revealed that the Lord indeed specially and specifically led them. Space does not permit the listing of many appropriate passages concerning the clear leading of the Lord in the lives of His servants the prophets. The reader is encouraged to search the Scriptures to validate this truth-statement concerning the way the Lord related to His servants).

Jesus understood the question of His disciple, Thomas. His answer was profound indeed. His reply was simply,

“I am the Way, the truth and the life.”
John 14:6

Let us look at another psalm where the Lord spoke about how He would teach those who feared Him. Jesus would fulfill this promise. He would do more than just show the way. He was THE WAY!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.”
Psalm 32:8