By John Wight of Blue Springs, Missouri USA
I am the way, and the truth and the life… 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.”
Today’s scripture relates a rather lengthy conversation between Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper regarding his pending departure from earthly ministry. While the exchange is interesting, the portion related to what Jesus was calling his followers to do after his departure is perhaps more important.
Jesus is quoted as saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” and “very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do…” In essence, Jesus was saying that if a person believes in him then that person should do the same works as Jesus did because he is the way and we should live that way.
It is my strong conviction that we are called not only to do the acts that Jesus did, but to do them in the same spirit in which Jesus did. Perhaps maybe the most important of these “ways” is by following his example of being a humble servant.
I learned this as a 15-year-old assigned to wash the pots and pans at a family camp—not exactly the most cherished job. As I stood at the sink, D. Blair Jensen, a former apostle who was at the camp as the guest minister, walked by and greeted me. Because I knew he was a well-respected and important person, I was somewhat surprised that he even greeted me. But what he said next has stayed in my memory ever since. “Would you like some help?” he asked. The next thing I knew, this very important person was standing next to me with an apron on, getting his hands wet and greasy, and visiting with this snot-nosed teenager.
His actions spoke volumes to me about how we should not let our pride and arrogance guide how we do things. But, instead, we should live the way of Jesus, ever striving to not only do the kinds of things he did, but to do so with a spirit of love and humility as Jesus did no matter how important we or the world may think we are.
Prayer Phrase
“In his hand is the life of every living thing” (Job 12:10).
Trees
Watch the trees outside your window for a few moments. Close your eyes and meditate on Alma’s words about seeds and trees. If you were to plant and grow the Word of God in your heart, what tree might symbolically represent this process? Imagine a seed as it grows into a tree of life and blessing. Ask God to show you how to begin (see Alma 16:152–173).
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.