John 14:1-6 is a passage of Scripture often used in funeral sermons. It conveys hope and comfort for those who desperately need it. It is a source of inspiration for all who follow Jesus.

Jesus begins this passage by telling his disciples that they should not let their hearts continue to be troubled. We can’t avoid ever experiencing negative feelings since we live in a world that offers much that is troubling. However, we are not to live our lives in a constant state of turmoil and despair. The secret of overcoming a troubled heart is to continue to believe in God and Jesus. Living a life of faith can help us endure any trouble this world has to offer.

Jesus then teaches that his Father’s house has room for all believers, and that he is going to prepare a place for us there. His leaving would no doubt become a source for further troubling of their hearts. However, he encourages them, and us, that he will come back for his own people and that he will take us to that place where we can be with him forever. These are indeed encouraging words for any troubled heart!

He goes on to offer the assurance that they know the way to the place where he is going. Thomas then asks how they could possibly know the way since they didn’t know where he was going.

Jesus then gives his oft-quoted reply— “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (14:6).

Here Jesus claims to be the key to life. Thomas a Kempis had this to say about this verse— “Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living.” Everything hinges on Jesus.

Many are offended by the exclusive nature of Christianity. They insist that there surely must be other ways to God besides through Jesus. The Bible, however, gives us no other options. It is up to God himself to set the requirements to meet him. It is up to us to accept his terms.

In a way Christianity is exclusive, since Jesus is indeed the only way to God. But at the same time, Christianity is extremely inclusive in the sense that whoever believes in Jesus will not have to perish but can have eternal life (John 3:16). “Whoever” includes everybody! The only way people are excluded from God’s presence is through their own choice.

Rest assured that Jesus has prepared a place for you to live with him forever. Through his death and resurrection Jesus has made the arrangements for us. All we must do is to trust him and accept his terms for our salvation. That is good news for any troubled heart!