I am the way, the truth, and the life (Pt. 1)

(Pt.1)

“Jesus said to them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”-John 14:6

In John 14, Jesus announces to His disciples that He would soon be going away. He went on to say that when everything had been made ready, He would return for them. Although Jesus’ promise to return for them was intended to comfort and encourage, it is obvious that the news of His departure created some anxiety in the disciples who remained uncertain regarding where He was going and how they would be able to follow Him there.

It is in this context that Jesus announces that He is the way, the truth, and the life; stating that no one can come to the Father except through Him. When we studied Jesus as the Door, we discussed primarily how Jesus is our access to the family of God and eternal salvation; however here Jesus is declaring that through Him we have direct access to God, Himself!

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.”-Hebrews 10:19-20.

So what is the meaning behind Jesus’ peculiar statement: “I am the way, the truth and the life”?

Jesus is the way!. Jesus used this declaration to distinguish Himself as the only way to the Father. A way can be properly defined as a path or route. Jesus’ statement conveys to us that there is no other path to heaven, no other way to the Father; except through Him. The Apostle Peter reaffirmed this same truth to the rulers in Jerusalem when he declared:

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”-Acts 4:12.

This acclamation rules out all other world religions, those that maintain you can rely on good works to attain heaven, or any other approach to eternity that circumvents Jesus Christ.

In a culture today that promotes and embraces multiple ways to God, this statement by Christ seems very restrictive and exclusive (rather than inclusive). However, it is consistent with other scripture taught by Jesus:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”-Matthew 7:13-14.

We can be certain that we are on the right path simply by making sure we are following Jesus!

Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church