Knowing the Way

 Thomas said to him,

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going,

 so how can we know the way?”

(from John 14:1-14 )

  

As I write, it’s the celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary.

Founded on November 11, 1926, US 66 stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. During the 1930s Dust Bowl, it served as a key migration route and boosted local businesses. Signs and advertising from 1927 made travel easy.

Thomas's question to Jesus, “How can we know the way?” reflected his desire to better grasp Jesus’ teachings and understand how to follow them.

Just as travelers once relied on Route 66 to guide them west, we rely on spiritual guidance to navigate our own journeys—sometimes finding the path less clear as traditions change or challenges arise.

Upon reflection of my personal faith journey with Jesus, I have considered this question throughout my spiritual development and transitions between churches.

“How can we know the way?”

Initially, the solutions appear straightforward: examine the Scriptures and follow Jesus’ example in demonstrating love for God and others.

However, it becomes clear that the journey began when Thomas—and all of us—made the decision to follow Jesus.

Comprehending the Way is rooted in Jesus's promise to remain with Thomas—and all of us—when we place our trust in his word and sustain our relationship with God.

Recognizing the Way involves acting in alignment with God's intentions, motivating others to seek wisdom that transcends conventional traditions.

Route 66 ended in Santa Monica, but Knowing the Way continues eternally.