Jesus Is The Way Series

Jesus is the Way

Text: John 14:1-7

Introduction: Do you have problems you can’t seem to find an answer to? Are you confused about things pertaining to your life? Do you often feel lost and in despair? If this is you, you are not alone...there was a man who lived about the same time as Abraham. This man, Job, was experiencing a tremendous load of suffering and pain when he penned the words:

"Man born of woman is short of days and full of trouble. He blossoms like a flower, then withers; he flees like a shadow and does not last." (Job 14:1-2)

Job’s words, spoken nearly four thousands years ago, express the sentiments of millions today.

Now, however, there is a way out and that way is Jesus Christ! He said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (Jn 14:6). To everything that is truly good, both in this life and the one to come, Jesus Christ is the way! The next several messages will introduce several areas in which Jesus is truly "The Way." As we endeavor to search out the Word on this particular theme, I pray that you will come to discover Jesus Christ is the only real answer to every problem and situation you will ever encounter. Today, I grant to you an overview of what is to come in hopes of whetting your desire for the rest of the story that is to come.

Jesus is:

I. The Way to a Better Life

A. Jesus offers abundant life...

1. On one occasion, Jesus stated His purpose in coming to this earth - "I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance." - Jn 10:10

2. This "abundant life" is more than simply life in the "hereafter"

3. Though it is not a promise of great wealth or luxury, it is a promise of:

a. A loving Father in Heaven, Who cares for His children - "So don’t worry, saying, What will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear? For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." (Mt 6:31-33)

b. More than sufficient provision for those who are willing to follow Him - "I assure you, Jesus said, there is no one who has left house, brothers or sisters, mother or father, children, or fields because of Me and the gospel, who will not receive 100 times more, now at this time--houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions--and eternal life in the age to come." (Mk 10:29-30)

B. All who receive this better life are blessed...

1. The happiest people in the world are those who truly commit themselves to following Jesus as "The Way"

2. Even though living in the most adverse circumstances:

a. Paul was able to proclaim - "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content--whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Ph 4:11-13)

b. The persecuted Christians in Asia Minor could say - "You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith--more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (I Pe 1:6-9)

Jesus is:

II. The Way to Forgiveness

A. Jesus is the only solution to a most serious problem...

1. Sin!

- Everyone is guilty of sin - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Ro 3:23)

2. Sin brings serious consequences

a. Sometimes physical, but always spiritual! - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ro 6:23)

b. Unless the problem of sin is resolved, the ultimate consequence is eternity in hell!

B. Through Jesus, God provides forgiveness...

1. Out of love, God offered Jesus as the propitiation for our sins - "God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (I Jn 4:9-10)