Jesus Said, I Am The Way, The Truth And The Life.
Why did Jesus say, “I am the way, the truth and the life”? Ray continues the I AM series by examining its meaning and relevance for us today.
The Way, The Truth and the Life
It is believed that there are thousands of religions in the world. However, is it possible that Jesus is the only way to God? Jesus delivered the following remarkable statement to Thomas and the other disciples in John 14,
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
The phrase is part of the conversation that Jesus had with His disciples during the “Last Supper” after Judas Iscariot left the room to betray Jesus. His purpose was to help the disciples prepare for what was about to come.
The Last Supper was held the night before the crucifixion and He knew that the events that were appearing on the horizon during His last hours on earth would leave the disciples confused and traumatized so He wished to reassure them.
After Judas left, Jesus told the disciples that He would only be with them a little while longer. Now, sensing their apprehension and fear, He continues by telling them that He is leaving but that He is going to prepare a place for them. Unsurprisingly, Thomas asks Jesus how they will know the way. It seems to be a simple question, with an earthly, practical focus. Perhaps Thomas is simply asking Jesus for directions to their next destination, which sounds like it may be rather grand and full of spacious rooms. Jesus answers with this dramatic and vitally important statement. Suddenly it becomes apparent that He is talking on an entirely different plane- a spiritual plane rather than an earthly one.
He makes it clear that He, that is Jesus Himself is the way to the Father’s house.
Is Jesus the Only Way?
In the second sentence, Jesus makes it very clear that the only way to God is through Him. This seems to be an audacious statement. Is Jesus advocating some kind of religious racism? How dare He claim that He is the only way, when surely it is obvious that there are countless religions offering spiritual insights.
Many people today think that all religions lead to God. However, this is illogical as all religions are different. They have different founders with drastically different teachings and beliefs. It is no surprise then, that many think that Christians are very narrow minded, strict, and religiously bigoted when they say that Jesus is the only way to God.
That might be true if Jesus was simply one teacher or spiritual guide among many. However Jesus teaches something fundamentally bold and daring. Jesus states clearly that He is the only way. He was about to prove it by dying for our sins and being resurrected. No other religious leader has done or could do that.
In addition, Jesus makes the startling claim that He is God. In verse 7 He says:
If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
This claim leaves little doubt as to who He believes Himself to be. He is God manifest in the flesh. His claim also strengthens His belief that He is the “I AM” of Moses day.
Could Jesus Be Telling The Truth?
But can we trust Jesus? Either Jesus is telling the truth, or He is not.
If He truly is God, then so we ought to listen, and believe, what He says. If His claim is true, then the way that we think about ourselves, the world, its purpose, and our place in it must reflect that truth.
However, if Jesus is wrong then He is either mistaken, and has no right to make the claims He does, or He is a liar, not God and we clearly shouldn’t believe anything else He says.
Jesus makes it clear throughout His ministry that He believes He is the embodiment of truth. In the Sermon on the Mount for example, He brings attention to a series of OT laws and then states numerous times, “But I say to you…” By doing this, He is demonstrating His authority and right to be the standard of God’s law.
In addition, the apostle John inspired by the Holy Spirit, states that Jesus is the Word and makes it clear that the Word is indeed, God. If Jesus is God, then Jesus is the embodiment of truth.
Is Jesus “The Life?”
If Jesus is really “The Life”, then He must prove that He has the power to bring people back from the dead. Without question, Jesus proved He did have this power.
In the gospels we read that He raised four people from the dead. They are:
- The Widow of Nain’s Son – Luke 7:11-17
- Jairus’ Daughter – Luke 8:49-56
- Lazarus – John 11:1-44
- Jesus Himself – Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-21:25
This remarkable demonstration of power strengthens Jesus claim to be God. Who else has the power to raise people from the dead? Clearly He has the authority to state that there is no other way to God except through Him.
Jesus is the Way to God the Father.
We find the truth in Him. He has the power to give us life after death. He is the way to God the Father.
As one writer puts it:
Jesus is the accessible path, the illuminating truth, and the giver of life for us who are lost, ignorant, and dead without Him. (Robert Hampshire)
Today, just like the disciples did centuries ago, we need to hear the words of Jesus and trust that He knows the way to the Father and that it is through Him and Him alone.
What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is the “Way the Truth and the Life?” We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Ray Marshall
Ray Marshall was born in Scotland but emigrated to Canada in 1977 where he met his wife Kelly. In the 1990’s, Ray and Kelly served as missionaries in both Ireland and Ecuador, and after returning to Canada, they served as church planters in Belleville.
Between 2009 and 2014, Ray and Kelly spent several years teaching ESL in China, and until 2021 Ray as a community mentor for the Navigators of Canada, reaching out to international students; visiting scholars and professors; and immigrants. Ray has since returned to serve as a Global Outreach Worker with MSC Canada, where he continues to share the gospel with people both locally in Canada and around the world via Zoom.
He has also been providing Digital Media support for FBHInternational, and HopeStreamRadio since 2011.
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Othieno Deogracious says
The information is so helpful to me. Thank you so much.
Ray Marshall says
Hi Othieno. We are so glad that you found this post helpful. Have you enjoyed any of our other posts?