Gathered around the table in the upper room with his disciples, Jesus continues his farewell discourse. The atmosphere of the room is complex. Jesus has washed feet; Judas has walked out.  Jesus has said he must soon leave to an unknown place. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest companions, has been predicted to deny Jesus before daybreak. In the face of this shameful news and general confusion, Jesus offers kind words of comfort and hope. “Let not your hearts be troubled.” (vs. 1).

He speaks again of his departure, leaving to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. What is this work of preparation? Nothing less than the purchasing of their salvation through his death and resurrection. There is no other way. Jesus is the exclusive way, truth, and life (vs. 6). While this truth offends some, it is the Good News of hope for all who believe. Most things that are true, good, and right are by nature narrow, exclusive. Gravity does not discriminate. Your Social Security Number is reserved for you. When falsely accused you desire a courtroom judge who is convinced that truth is not relative. The gospel of Jesus is exclusive; yet it is offered to you and me. This is a glorious truth indeed.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14).