The Way, The Truth, And The Life

The Way, The Truth, And The Life

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6 (NKJV)

David occasionally goes on a Google search for our names just for the fun of it. He once found a church newsletter in which the pastor described me as “decent” but my theology as “poor and damaging.” He had read an article in USA Today that quoted me as saying that a saving relationship with God must come through his Son. The pastor wrote in response, “At the heart of the tragic incomprehension among Christians is the assertion that the only hope for us all is in Jesus.” I was stunned that the leader of a church would assert that hope can be found anywhere other than Jesus until I read the church’s belief statement on their Web site: “We believe in one God, known to us in Jesus Christ, also known by different names in different traditions.”

Honestly, I wasn’t offended by their criticism of me, but I was saddened that they diminished Jesus so significantly, reducing him to one of many religious options and robbing him of his unique deity and saving power. What other names do they think Jesus is known by? Muhammad? Buddha? Have they rejected what Acts 4 says about Jesus? “There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them” (verse 12).

When Jesus declared that he is the way, the truth, and the life, that no one comes to the Father except through him, Jesus was not threatening or warning or bragging. He was not setting up a hurdle for us to overcome, but pointing us in the right direction and offering himself to get us there.

His disciples were confused and disturbed. They didn’t understand nor did they want to understand Jesus’ talk of impending death and departure. So Thomas, as spokesman for the group, bluntly said in desperation, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5, NIV). Jesus did not want them to be confused or disturbed or lost. So he pointed out the way by pointing to himself. Jesus is the way to know God, experience God, go to God. Don’t be offended by his exclusivity; enter into it. The way to God is not mysterious or out of reach; it is knowable and attainable. Jesus is the way to God. And he has given himself for you and to you.

My Way, my Truth, my Life, you have made the pathway clear to me so that I can follow you to your Father’s house. The way is narrow, so I must stay close to you, following only you and trusting only you. You are my only hope.

DIGGING DEEPER