Gospel in Art: I am the way, and the truth, and the life

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, painting by © Daphne Stephenson 2019

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 16 May 2025
John 14:1-6

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'

Reflection on the painting

Throughout our readings this week, Jesus has been revealing profound truths about Himself through simple yet powerful imagery. He has told us that He is the Shepherd, guiding and protecting His flock. Yesterday, He declared that He is the Light, shining in the darkness to lead us safely home. Today, He offers one of His most beautiful and defining statements: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." These are not mere metaphors, but deeply meaningful revelations, helping us to understand who Christ is and how we are called to follow Him.

Jesus is the Way - not just a guide, but the very path by which we reach the Father. Why is He the only way? Simply because this is how God, in His wisdom and love, has designed the journey of salvation: that we come to Him through His Son. More profoundly, the vastness of the divide between humanity and God is something we could never cross on our own. Without Christ, we would be lost. It is only by walking with Jesus, by knowing Him intimately, that we can hope to enter into the mystery of God's infinite glory.

Jesus is the Truth - not a truth among many, but Truth itself, made flesh. As the Son of the Father, He embodies the ultimate answer to every human longing for meaning, purpose, and understanding. In Him, we find the truth about who we are, where we come from, and what we are called to become.

Jesus is the Life - the one who gives life in abundance. When we follow His way and accept His truth, our souls are filled with true life. Without Him, we may exist, but spiritually we are empty; with Him, we share in the divine life that conquers even death.

Our reflection is beautifully complemented by Daphne Stephenson's painting, "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life". Working in the style known as Primitive Naïve Art, Stephenson captures spiritual themes with refreshing simplicity and honesty. Art critic Alan Bowness explains, "Naïve artists make an appearance when art becomes too precious or too clever. Someone with a natural gift, untrained, comes along and overturns everybody's preconceived notions, and makes us rethink." In much the same way, Jesus' words today cut through complexity and intellectual pride, bringing us back to the essentials: to trust, to follow, and to live in Him who is our Way, our Truth, and our Life.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-14-1-6-2025/ (with audio)