Jesus is the Way

John 14:4-6 Jesus said, “You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
 
IN his gospel John records Jesus speaking seven self-identifying “I am” statements. They include: “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the bread of life.” “I am the good shepherd.” Here is another. You could say it is three-in-one “I am’s”: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Let’s look at the three ways Jesus identifies himself here.
   First, Jesus is “the Way”. The unbelieving world rejects such a notion that there is only one way to Heaven, to God. Still, this is a fundamental truth of Scripture. Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” It’s absurd, isn’t it, to think there is more than one way to the Holy God. The devil wanted Adam and Eve to believe that lie, and the lie remains deadly today – even in so-called churches that teach, “You can find your own way to Heaven.” But think of it! Only Jesus has come to offer us the way out of sin’s spiritual darkness, shame, guilt, condemnation and death. Who else has died and been raised to Heaven’s throne? You can only go to Heaven following the one who has gone before you. Even more, Jesus is the only way to discover your highest purpose on earth.
   Second, Jesus is “the truth”. He is not just part of the truth, but the whole truth. John tells us Jesus is the Living Word (John 1:1-3). The Living Word is the true eternal Word. Everything about Christ and his message is true. Know his truth is absolute and universal. Yet, the world rejects this, too. Sinful hearts readjust the Living Word to self-glory and idol worship. Mankind turns God’s commands and promises into mere suggestions of convenience. Truth defines who we are: sinners. Truth defines who rescues us from sin: Jesus. How can we not receive such truth: Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5) Who would want to embrace anything else?
   Third, Jesus is “the life”. A true and lasting spiritual life is available only through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. His perfect life provided the only permanent and enduring sacrifice for our sin against God’s justice. Those who accept his life and sacrifice, receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Christ.
   Thomas was confused because he thought Jesus was going to another location in Judea or perhaps Galilee as was his custom. But Jesus wanted his disciples then and all of us now to know the first place we go is to him: “Where are you going, Jesus? Teach me to follow you well, so I’ll be where you want me to be.”
   Seek each day to know Jesus. He will show you the true way to live with him.