ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Each stanza helps us sing about what it means to know Christ - the way, the truth, and the life. This might seem like an obvious path to choose around this text, but it actually begins to answer the question Thomas asks. Rather than simply quoting Christ or placing the words of God in our mouth, this hymn asks [or forces!] us to confess Jesus Christ as the “way, truth, and life.” When Christ says he is “the way” in this passage, it is linked with Christ’s promise to “prepare a place” for the disciples. Rather than dwell on this aspect, the hymn instead points to Christ as the way to “flee sin and death and know freedom.” The second half of this stanza can sound problematic - “all those who search for God you find…” It is obvious from the rest of this stanza [and the rest of this hymn] the poet understands the second half of this thought to be most important - Christ finds us! Further, this week’s Scripture passage is clear: all people, even Christ’s first disciples are left “searching” for God [and somewhat clueless] without this way being given to them. This is the reason Christ’s words are given back to us in song.
Stanza 2 // It is almost obvious what Christ means when he refers to Himself as “the way” or “the life.” When Christ calls Himself the “truth” commentary can be helpful. This stanza tells us the truth of which our Lord speaks comes through his Word. When we sing or hear this stanza, we might limit God’s Word to the Bible. But, this stanza is clear - God’s Word is a living and active thing - informing the mind and purifying the heart. In these words, we hear our need for this Word to be preached/given to us, putting to death all the lies we hear and tell ourselves. Further, this Word “purifies the heart” - putting to death the best thing we believe we bring to God, and giving us a new heart, forgiven and free.
Stanza 3 // Christ as the “life” is related back to the event of Easter - the “rending” tomb, in which Christ destroys the power of death. As we continue to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, the life Christ promises belongs to us now! Christ’s victory - “conquering” - is proclaimed today. Because we know this life, death and hell have no power over us. In this promise, we place our trust.
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza is a prayer. While it might appear the poet has run out of words to unpack, this final stanza places our prayer alongside the longings of the disciples in this week’s Scripture reading. When we know the way, the truth, and the life, the joys of heaven - “eternal joy” - flows from this promise Christ gives. We no longer hear Christ’s words as harsh and exclusive: “Nobody comes to the Father except through me…” but know Christ prepares a place for us!
SUGGESTIONS:
