God’s People Know the Way – Family Devotion – May 11, 2020

Read: John 14:1-10

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

God’s People Know the Way


Family Devotion – May 11, 2020

Devotion based on John 14:6

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Detour,” the sign says. “Ugh,” says the driver. Dad has toothpicks in his eyes to keep them open after eight hours of driving. “This detour takes us way past our hotel,” groans the co-pilot. Mom’s mood will not tolerate any last-second adjustments. It was already a long road trip, but the destination is worth it: Disney World!

Any map app on a phone can instantly calculate a completely new route to your final destination whenever a detour rears its ugly head. It may be longer, but you will still get there.

When it comes to heaven, there are no detours or other ways. Jesus tell us, “I am the way.” Jesus is the way. No one comes to the Father in heaven except through him.

At first, this might seem a little bit nitpicky on Jesus’ part. After all, dad’s phone map app can find another route to Disney World! The truth is, without Jesus, we sinners would have no way out of this sinful world to heaven. The truth is that Jesus is the gracious way of God that freely gives us life eternal! The truth is that Satan, temptation, sin, and our own guilt try to lead us on every sort of detour—only these detours never end at heaven. They lead us away from heaven to a dead end called hell. Beware of detours!

Listen to the clear voice of Jesus: “I am the way.” Faith watches Jesus walk the path we could never walk to the cross, through death, and out the door of his now-empty tomb—all for us. When we face deadly threats along the way, faith hears the voice of Jesus promise, “Because I live, you also will live,” and our hearts are encouraged. When we feel lost along the way, faith hears the voice of Jesus promise, “I am going to prepare a place for you in my Father’s house,” and our course is corrected. When the way grows dim, faith hears the voice of Jesus promise, “I will come back to bring you there to be with me,” and our hope is renewed.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, thank you for opening wide the doorway of heaven to us through your perfect life, innocent suffering, and glorious resurrection. Give us faith to always stay on the way. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What are some promises God makes to you when you go on a trip?
  • What does God promise is waiting for you at the end of your journey in this life?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What are some specific “detours” Satan tries to throw in front of us to lead us off the way?
  • List some reasons why the destination of heaven will be far greater than the destination of any earthly vacation.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Explain some ways the world tries to argue that there are many different paths to heaven.
  • Jesus is the only way to heaven. How could a Christian also show that Jesus’ way, the way the Bible teaches, is unique and far better than the ways offered by other religions?

Hymn: CW 422:1-2 – Jesus, Lead Us On

Jesus, lead us on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless.
Guide us by your hand
To our fatherland.

If the way be drear,
If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o’ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us,
For through many a woe
To our home we go.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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