Posted: 9/03/04
LifeWay Family Bible Series for Sept. 19
Christ is the only way to the throne of God
John 14:1-14
By Angela Hamm
First Baptist Church, Lewisville
Jesus is the one and only way to God. He is the source of all transformation. Jesus offers people who are spiritually dead the very way, truth and life of God. Our victory is in him and in him alone.
When Christ is being formed in us, when we open ourselves up to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, when we continue to grow in our love for God and people and when we begin seeing the world differently–the result should be increased intentionality to be with people outside our Christian community. This is God's primary plan for our lives, the one Jesus modeled so powerfully, to spread God's grace and truth person to person until there is an epidemic of changed lives around the world.
The promise of a place
This chapter begins with disciples who were troubled and discouraged. They were troubled because (1) they were aware Jesus would soon leave them, (2) Jesus told them Peter would deny him, (3) Judas had mysteriously left them and (4) they had just had their last meal with Jesus.
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They were confused and possibly getting nervous about the days ahead. So, Jesus starts with a pretty amazing statement, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Jesus gives his disciples two reasons for not letting their hearts be troubled.
The first reason is found in Jesus' statement, “Trust in God; trust also in me.” Jesus is telling his disciples to believe in God. When they believed in God, they also would believe in him. One author writes, “The identity of Jesus and the Father was so complete that belief in one demanded belief in the other.”
Second, Jesus says he is going away to prepare a place for them –for all those who believe in him. This can mean a place in heaven, but it also can mean a place here and now. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are reconciled with God, and through faith in Jesus, we can have a relationship with God now.
The promise of a person
Jesus' statement, “I am the way and the truth and the life”, is the sixth of Jesus' seven “I am” statements in the Gospel of John (6:48; 8:12; 10:9, 11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). Jesus says he is the way–he is the way to God, and the way to eternal life. Jesus is the way because he is the truth and the life. Jesus is the truth because he accurately explains the truth of God to us. Jesus is the life because he has God's life inside and provides that life to us. Jesus can lead those who trust him on the right path.
Jesus' words, “No one comes to the Father except through me” stressed salvation is not obtainable through many ways. All who come into God's presence must come through Jesus; no one can come any other way. Only one way exists, and this is through belief in Jesus.
A story is told of a missionary traveling to a remote village to train leaders of the local church. A guide was selected to take him to the village because the only way to reach this remote place was to walk through the jungle. The journey started out without much of a problem; the path was good and easy to follow. Soon, however, the path literally disappeared as the guide cut away at the overgrown jungle with his machete. The missionary grew concerned and asked, “Where is the path?” The guide smiled; looking back, he told the missionary, “I am the path.”
Looking for directions? Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Follow him.
The promise of prayer
God will continue the work of Jesus through his disciples and through you and me. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do God's work, share the gospel with others and bear fruit. Prayer is one of the ways we can stay connected with God. Prayer is an avenue of seeking God. Prayer allows us to ask God to put people in our path who do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ so we can share the incredible gift of salvation with them.
Practical helps
The gift of salvation has been offered to us through Jesus, but each of us must respond by receiving it (John 1:12; Romans 10:13).
This is how we are to respond–ask Jesus to forgive our sins and lead our lives. God will give us the strength and guidance to make a fresh start and to begin living a life pleasing to God (1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 3:15).
When we respond by putting our faith in Jesus, a spiritual transformation occurs. God's Spirit comes into our lives and changes us from the inside out so we can begin our spiritual journey (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Discussion question
Who do you know who needs to hear Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life?
How is your prayer connection holding up? How can prayer help you communicate that Jesus is the only way to God?
What is God leading you to do today?
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