We live in a world filled with sorrow and strife, a world in need of hope. I find the hope I need in Jesus. He can be your hope, too.
Finding a Favorite Bible Verse of Hope
Many people, if asked their favorite Bible verse, will cite John 3:16, and it is a good one: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” There are a lot of other great verses. But my favorite this: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 NIV.
I have always loved this verse because it is a clear and beautiful promise of who Jesus is to you and me. It is a promise that we will one day see the place with many rooms that he has prepared for us in his Father’s house, as described in John 14:1–4.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
A New Revelation about My Favorite Bible Verse
I learned something about my favorite verse at a women’s retreat that I didn’t know before. The Jewish people would have known this when they heard Jesus make His bold statement. It is one of the reasons the Jewish religious rulers wanted Jesus dead, because of what this statement meant.
In the tabernacle or temple there were three veils or curtains. The first veil, called the Way, led into the outer court and any man could enter through it.
The second veil, called humility or Truth, led into the holy place of the temple and only the priests could enter through it.
The third and final veil, called the Life, led into the Holy of Holies, the place where the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat were kept. This is where the glory of God Almighty dwelt among men. Only the high priest could enter through this last veil and only once per year on the Day of Atonement. So to come into the presence of Almighty God one had to go through the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life Is Hope
But no longer are the Way, the Truth, and the Life merely veils in the temple. No longer is only the high priest of Israel allowed to go through them all. Now that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and we are all part of the priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9), we can all enter into the presence of the Lord.
We find our great hope in Jesus, who calls all to come into His peace and presence. He excludes no one who chooses to come.
Thankful for New Insights of Hope
I’ve attended many Bible studies and women’s retreats over the past 25 years. I don’t remember the details of each one, but I do know each has brought me closer to understanding our Creator God and our Savior Jesus. Even when I study a familiar and favorite book of the Bible, I learn something new.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV.
What I need to hear from God’s Word today may be very different from what I needed to hear five years ago. As I change and grow, the Way, the Truth, and the Life deepens with new insight and hope.
Finding Hope in Jesus’s Promise
I found comfort in the promise of John 14:6 when my sister died after a long battle with breast cancer ten years ago. His comfort found me again when my oldest sister died of lymphoma two years ago. And when we lost my niece to colon cancer this past January, being able to pray for her in Jesus’ name two days before she died brought me peace. I knew Jesus had prepared a place for them and that I will see them all again. This knowledge comforted me so that I didn’t have to be deeply troubled by their deaths.
Sorrow still haunts me because they are no longer tangible parts of my life, but I find hope to endure the sorrow when I think of Jesus.
If only we believe in God and in Jesus, He has prepared a room for each of us when this earthly life is over. Jesus commanded, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14:1 NIV. With the promise that followed the command, we can live in peace here and now despite the turmoil and heartache that surround us. We can truly feel untroubled.
Closing Prayer for Hope in Jesus
Heavenly Father, I lift up each soul reading this article today. I ask that You reveal to them the hope they seek and that they find their hope in You, Jesus. Grant them comfort and peace as they rest on Your promises in this world of suffering we must endure. Help each reader to learn from Your Holy Word the lessons You would have for them today. In Jesus’s name, amen.