Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me.’” – John 14:6
Have you ever been lost in the woods? I have, and it is a very scary place to be, particularly in the dead of night with all the sounds, shadows, and suspected predators right around every corner. My experience happened while at a Girl Scout camp sleepover, but that is a story for another day. Suffice it to say it was my fault for not following the rules. Thankfully, the leaders did their job well and found me.
I lacked (and still do) a good sense of direction. A compass could have helped me find my way out of the woods, instead of going around and around in ever-widening circles. A compass works by always showing a consistent sense of direction.
As I thought about John 14:6, a compass came to mind. We need to be a compass for our grandchildren and portray a consistent sense of direction for them. What is the True North that we align our lives to, so we continue in the right direction? Of course, it is Jesus!
Leading up to this verse, Jesus had shared about His upcoming departure, causing the disciples to ask questions. Jesus encouraged them not to let their hearts be troubled, but to know He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. Jesus told the disciples He would come back for them to take them where He is going. He told them they knew the way to where He was going.
Thomas commented that they did not know, and therefore, how could they know the way? Jesus answers with one of His great I AM statements.
I Am
Jesus says “I am”, meaning He is the self-existent One who has all power and authority. Easter is a great time to share this passage with your grandchildren.
Focus on Jesus as the great I Am, the One and Only God who was, is, and ever will be. Talk about how He has been with your family in the past and present, and He can be counted on for what the future holds. Share photos of generations along with their stories.
The Way
Jesus continues by saying He is the only way to heaven. Share your testimony of coming to faith with your grandchildren. Consider writing it down so future generations will know it as well.
Also, ask your grandkids about their faith journey. Be available and willing to discuss and look for answers to their questions about Jesus being the only way. Acts 4:12 is a great verse to share with them.
The Truth
Jesus is the Truth—the only truth. Help your grandchildren know that there is an absolute truth, and it is found in Jesus. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.”
How can you point to Jesus as the source of all truth? What can you do to help build a solid foundation for a biblical worldview? Jesus is the true standard, the measure of righteousness. Look at your own life and evaluate if you see life through the lens of God’s Truth. Do your actions and words measure up to what you say you believe?
The Life
While Jesus had been telling the disciples of His impending death, He then told them He is life. He is also the source of life. His death will deliver them from the bondage of Satan, sin, and death, bringing instead freedom through everlasting life (John 3:16).
Conclusion
It is easy for our grandchildren to get lost in this world of ever-competing messages. They might be frightened by what they hear, see, and feel.
Are you looking out for them? Are you a compass for them, pointing the way to truth? Do your grandchildren have a faithful example in you? Are you consistently and purposefully pointing out The Way to them? Do they know the only way to heaven?
The disciples did not at first understand these three statements. Our grandchildren may not either. So review the Easter account often, and do not relegate it to once a year. There are many great resources for the different ages of your grandchildren. Find several to help you as you point your grandchildren to THE TRUTH.
