JESUS ACCORDING TO JESUS: THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

It is the night before Jesus is crucified. He’s having his Last Supper with his disciples. He wants to give them confidence as they are about to approach a time when He is no longer with them and they must learn to carry on his mission.

Read John 14:1-11

Jesus explains that he will soon be leaving to go to God the Father’s side, but that he wants his disciples to go there also. Thomas candidly asks, “We don’t know where you are going, how can we know the way?” Jesus replies, “I am the way”. 

Many people think that the road to heaven is made up of good works. They think that if you want to be with God or to please God, then it’s going to require you to be a good person, a sincere person. But when Jesus is asked, essentially, how to get to heaven, his reply is “Me. You only get there through me.” No good works. No baptism. No giving to the needy. No years of church attendance. The way to heaven is simply Jesus.

This is so contrary to our natural way of thinking. Don’t we have to present impressive resumes to earn God’s approval? Don’t we have to do the right rituals or quote the right prayers? Jesus plainly says, “No.” 

Jesus is the way to the Father. It is those who trust in what Jesus did with whom God is pleased. The Bible calls this placing faith in Jesus. It is those who place faith in Jesus who are known by the Father. 

What greater comfort could there be? What else could remove the pressure of performance than the truth that God accepts us because of Jesus and not because of our own works?

“I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6).

Ask yourself these questions and write down your responses:

  • If God wanted people to be good to please him, how would we know how good is good enough?
  • If God welcomes you because of Jesus and not your own good works, does that hurt your pride or does it calm your fears? Why?
  • How does knowing God is pleased with us because of Jesus bring comfort to you?

If you’d like to learn more about Jesus’ teaching about being the Way, the Truth, and the Life, listen to this sermon from Pastor Tim: