The Living Podcast

Day 28 of Lent - Lectio Divina on John 14:5-7

Daniel Butson, D.Min Episode 28

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0:00 | 8:52
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Welcome back to the living, a space created to help you encounter God in your everyday life, be with him, and find life right where you are. Today is Tuesday, March 17th, and this is day 28 of our Lenten journey. Yesterday, we heard Jesus speak these comforting words to his disciples. Do not let your hearts be troubled. But the disciples are still trying to understand what he means. Jesus is talking about leaving, about preparing a place, about the Father's house. And finally, Thomas says, what many of them are thinking, Lord, we don't know where you're going. How can we know the way? I love the honesty in that question. And Jesus responds with one of the most powerful statements in all the scriptures. Today, our Lectio Divina is on this conversation between Thomas, Jesus, and really all of us from John chapter 14, verses 5 through 7. Before we begin today's Lectio Divina practice and pray through the scriptures, I simply want to invite you to settle in right where you are. Just remind yourself today, I am here, and so is God. And that is good news. Let's begin by settling our hands and our breathing. If you're able, I invite you to go ahead and place your hands in your lap with your palms facing down. And as you exhale today, go ahead and release the pressure of having to have everything figured out. Go ahead and release your need for certainty, for knowing it all. Now I invite you when you're ready to turn your palms upward. Take a big deep breath in. And as you breathe in, receive the invitation of Jesus. You could even ask him quietly, Jesus, will you help me trust you even when I don't understand the path. Now today we get an opportunity to practice Lectio Divina. It's simply a way of praying through the scriptures together. And today's scripture comes from John chapter 14, verses 5 through 7. Thomas is asking a question, Jesus answers that question. In this practice, we'll work through four movements, we'll read the text, reflect upon it, respond to it, and simply take a moment to rest with the Lord. On this first reading, I simply invite you to listen. John 14, 5 through 7. Thomas said to him, Lord, we don't know where you're going, so how can we know the way? And Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Just take time to notice which words, which phrase stands out to you today. Thomas said to Jesus, Lord, we don't know where you're going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Whatever the Holy Spirit highlighted, take a moment and hold on to that phrase or to that word. As I read this passage again, this is an opportunity to respond. Listen for an invitation from the Lord. You might ask yourself, where am I searching for direction right now? Where do I wish the path ahead was clear? You can bring that into the presence of Christ today. Thomas said to Jesus, Lord, we don't know where you're going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Take some time to respond honestly to the words of Christ. On this final reading, it's an invitation to rest in the care and presence of Jesus. Jesus says, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. As I take time to personally reflect on this passage, I love how Thomas is asking for clarity. He's asking for a path. And yet Jesus offers himself, I am the way. The Christian life, you know, it's not primarily about figuring everything out. It's about trusting a person, following Jesus step by step, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. The good news is this is that we are not asked to navigate alone. That Jesus, the one who is the way, walks with us. Let's close with a word of prayer. Jesus, thank you for being the way. When paths feel unclear, teach us to trust you more deeply. Lead us, Lord, step by step as we follow you. We pray this in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Today, go in his presence, rest in his love. This is the living. We'll continue tomorrow.