Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Many paths. Discover yours.
Great slogan for an educational institution to emphasize to students that their education trek doesn’t have to look like everyone else. It’s also a mindset that has been adopted by some when it comes to a relationship with God as some believe there are many ways to get to God and the path can be personalized for each individual. It’s rooted in the deception from the beginning of time that mankind can be like God and have the authority to do and be whatever they want. But God’s word makes it very clear: Jesus Christ is the way to God the Father. We do not have the capability to create our own path to Him. God has provided the bridge through the life of Jesus to get to Him. For believers in this truth, we’ve found the path in Jesus. The challenge now for us is to remain on that path.
The last Considerations post, Is it really that surprising?, touched on the fact that believers can indeed deviate from the path with Christ when our relationship with God is no longer a priority. Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Let’s consider this declaration from Jesus to help us keep on His path, to remain vibrantly connected to our Father and be equipped faithful servants to help others find The Path too.
Keeping on the path
Jesus declares He is the way. Not a way but the way. Such narrow mindedness is absurd to those who reject that Christ is the only path or gate to God. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV) describes the difference between 2 gates, one being narrow and one wide:
“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.
According to these verses, the narrow gate is the way to life. When we open the path to God to include things besides Jesus, in an attempt to make it easier and more appealing for others, we are not leading others to God but instead to destruction as stated in verse 13. Jesus is the way God has provided. Jesus is the narrow gate that leads directly to Him.
Beware of suggesting to others (sometimes unconsciously) that God can be reached by other means than the One Way He provided in His Son Jesus Christ. If we don’t point people to Christ as a means for them to know God, salvation will not be theirs.
Keeping to the truth
Jesus declares He is the truth. There are a lot of ‘truths’ out there being thrown around for us to consider and grab a hold of. Recently I’ve found myself in two separate ongoing discussions about what is the truth of creation and the validity of the Bible. Both individuals encouraged me to step back from the Bible and see it in a different light; not as the truth of God but a book that was written by man to influence me to have a Eurocentric view of life.
Truthfully, I started to question why I believed what I believed. I started to wonder if there was some truth in what they said. I realized that if I was not taking the time to be in the word of God myself, I can easily be swayed by what they were saying.
Every day, we can successfully keep to the path by putting on the belt of truth along with the other pieces of armor God has given us (Ephesians 6:14-18). The battle is real out there and we are part of God’s army to share His plan of salvation to those who do not know Him yet. Keeping to the truth in His word keeps us fit and ready for the darts the enemy will definitely throw at us. Just as Jesus said to his disciples, abiding in His word not only shows that we are his followers but also helps us to know the truth (John 8:31-32).
Keeping in line with the life of Jesus
WWJD? What Would Jesus Do? The ever so popular saying from years ago is a slogan that would do us well to keep close. The world shouts for us to put self first and to exercise our rights. But just because we have the right to do something, doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. Jesus exemplified this very point as he chose to deny self, think of others and be obedient to God as depicted in Philippians 2:3-8 (NLT):
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
It’s choosing to do life The Jesus Way, as Phil Wickham expresses in his song with that very title. Life that is very contrary to the ways of the world but shines forth a unique path that causes others to stop and consider what makes one so different. And in that moment, it opens the door for each of us to share how Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Considerations 