It's Who You Know

1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14:1-4)

After Jesus gave his disciples some hard truths about his death, and the betrayals they would experience from within (John 12,13), Jesus offered them words of encouragement. He assured them that despite unfaithfulness, there was still room for them to abide in the heart of God. Further, at the moment of Jesus' speaking, his followers already had everything they needed to remain at the center of God's grace. Ever the realist, Thomas voiced his confusion (and ours). Jesus explained that because he'd lived out the heart of God before them, the disciples had a front row seat to the presence,power, and peace of God.

5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:5-7)

There is no list of things we must do or qualifications we must meet to be able to find our hearts, minds, and souls in unity with God - just know Jesus. Knowing Jesus is the only thing we need to do because knowing Jesus transforms everything we do. Rather than existing from a place of spiritual scarcity, we can live in the abundance of love and peace found in the Creator of heaven and earth, As this abundance overflows into joy, we will participate in those "greater works" that Jesus promised. No matter if we're reaching out (physically or virtually) to a co-worker, someone in the next block, or someone on the other side of the globe, God works through us - multiplying the impact of love and peace on individuals and on the world we share.

When we realize that there's room for us all, we'll know there's no mine or yours, only God's. Knowing Jesus is all it takes because knowing Jesus changes everything.

12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. (John 14:12-14)