The Way The Truth And The Life Series

Message

John 14:6

I Am The Way The Truth and The Life

Today the focus of our message is on Jesus who says, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” Let’s read this “I am” statement in it’s context. Read John 14:1-6

Jesus is specifically speaking about Himself as the One who can bring us from the here and now to the here-after. The focused is on heaven; life after death and eternity. That is important to remember. Jesus wants us to look forward to heaven and eternity and think about what that means for us today.

We are fixing our eyes on the reality that our Saviour died and rose again. He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father where – even at this very moment – He is interceding for us. Jesus is there, at the right hand of the Father, waiting for the day and the hour …

… a moment that no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36).

Jesus is interceding – praying for us. Jesus is our High Priest who has sympathy for our weaknesses for He was tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. Our High Priest who enables us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence and find mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16). While Jesus does this He waits for that moment when He will return. Then that moment will come.

On Jesus’ return the sea will give up the dead that are in it, and death and Hades will give up the dead that were in them, and each person will be judged. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:13,15).

Then the New Heaven and the New Earth will be here. There is so much about this aspect of our spiritual journey that is hard to comprehend. So, in John 14, Jesus uses the analogy of a house to help us get a little understanding of what eternity will be like.

The Father’s house has many rooms.

A place for everyone where no-one who is invited misses out.

Home – with God the Father.

Home – with Jesus the Son.

Home – with the Holy Spirit.

Home – with a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9).

That is where Jesus is pointing His disciples – pointing us. As Jesus points to that destination He says emphatically, “I am the Way.” Jesus is pointing to a destination.

Where are we going?

We are going to an eternity of being home. Home with the Creator who loved us and gave us everything. As Jesus points the direction Jesus says, “I am THE Way” … Not “I am A way.”

When it comes to making a journey there are often many ways we can go. Different transport – train, car, plane, motor-bike. If we get really fit and healthy we can ride a bike or walk. There can also be many different routes. The main highway. The backroads. Special short-cuts that save no time what-so-ever. There are plenty of ways.

However, when it comes to our spiritual journey, there are not multiple ways. No matter how many ways are suggested. Be a good person. Go to church. Follow a list’s of personal do’s and don’ts. Just accept everybody. Don’t set up religious exclusion zones. All roads lead to heaven.

Despite what people want there are not many ways – there is One way. Jesus is the Way.

If we don’t follow His way we end up at a different destination.

If we can’t accept His exclusive calling – we will be excluded.

If we want to arrive at the destination Jesus is describing – we need to obey the directions He gives.

Jesus makes the directions crystal clear. Why are they so clear?

I’m going to share a little secret – I hate getting lost. Even missing a turn and having to do a u-ey. That adds a whole minute to the trip. I too easily get frustrated in those situations.

And really getting lost …

… some people enjoy that sort of thing.

… apparently it is “an adventure”.

… that is not me.

Clear directions. A clear path for the journey. That is the road of least trouble. I feel much less troubled when I know exactly that I am on the road to the destination.

Now back to the text. Jesus says in verse 1 “Do not let your heart be troubled!” What enables our hearts not to be troubled? Knowing that Jesus is THE Way and He clearly brings us to the destination.