Text: John 13:31-14:7, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 1:1-6
This is part of a 10-day series on the person of Christ in the 2016 Lent study.
I’m notorious for going the wrong way on one-way streets—usually when I’m trying to find free parking. It’s as if finding a close, free place to park trumps all other rules of the road. I do whatever I can to find that perfect spot, fully ignoring the large “One Way” and “Wrong Way” street signs meant to caution me. It seems that when free parking is at stake, the rules fly out my car window. I intend to get there my way, regardless of the consequences.
I hate to admit it, but far too often I have the same attitude in my spiritual life, believing my way is best. But Scripture tells us Jesus is the only way to the Father. Chasing after our salvation in any way apart from Christ, is the wrong way.
“I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
-John 14:6
The Bible couldn’t say it any plainer, but I’m still prone to try and negotiate my own salvation.
I put my hope in all kinds of things to save me, believing they’ll somehow grant me abundant life. And when the Lord graciously steps in to remind me that He is the only way to salvation, I can become fearful. How can it really be so simple? Surely there’s something more.
Yes, I believe Christ is the only way, but then I turn around and start doing all these things to help ‘seal the deal’ of eternity for me. I want to fully surrender to Jesus, because deep down I know that only He can save. But far too often I live like I believe otherwise—as if I could add to His perfect sacrifice!
Like trying to find the ultimate parking spot, I try to find my own way to salvation. I’m afraid that if I follow Jesus with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind (Matthew 22:37)—instead of following myself—I might miss something.
I think Peter and Thomas had similar fears. At the Last Supper, both disciples had questions as Jesus explained He is the only way to the Father. Peter didn’t understand why he couldn’t go with Jesus right then and there (John 13:36). He thought he’d miss salvation if it didn’t happen on his timeline. Thomas didn’t have all the information he thought he needed to follow Jesus (John 14:5). He wanted to walk by sight instead of faith.
In Acts 17, we read about the “extremely religious” people of Athens, who worshiped no shortage of idols and false gods. They worshiped countless things, yet were ignorant of what they were actually worshiping. They even had an altar for an “unknown god”—just in case they missed paying homage to something that could save (Acts 17:22-31).
I have more in common with the people of Athens than I’d like to believe. I’m ignorant of the of all the idols I worship.
My appearance.
My reputation.
My success.
My accomplishments.
My relationships…
The list goes on and on, but the result is still the same: none of these idols can save.
Only Jesus. What a sweet relief!
Jesus is the only way. He’s our only hope! When we try to navigate our own way to salvation, we become confused. Like Peter and Thomas, we worry we’ve missed something. Like the people of Athens, we become distracted by the countless gods we worship.
But the truth is this: when we have Jesus, we have all we’ll ever need.
Thanks be to God that Jesus is the only way to Him, to truth, and to life. May we learn to stand firm in this Truth, clinging only to Him for life (Psalm 1:1-6).
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57 thoughts on "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"
Oh yes, how often I strive and think I have something better to add. I so often doubt His love and goodness, thinking I have to do the right stuff for His promise to stand. But He is good, and His beautiful goodness does not rely on our efforts, or ability to tick the boxes. Thankful for His grace today <3
Amen. I am too much like Thomas sometimes. Recently even wrote “do not fear, only believe” on my bathroom mirror. Jesus, you are the only way. Please do not let me forget it.
oh I love the idea of writing “Do not fear, only believe” on your bathroom mirror…I might have to do that as well…and on the visor of my car, the refrigerator, my computer, etc. Thanks for sharing!
“Chasing after our salvation in any way apart from Christ, is the wrong way.”
Being a bibliophile, I tend to search for answers and directions in books. Books have helped me understand things, taught me how to do things, shown me ways to navigate life. I read a lot! But… Chasing after my salvation in any book apart from the Bible, is the wrong way! Peace and purpose, direction and life itself are only found in God’s Word. Thank you, Missy, for reminding me again this morning that He alone is the Way and my first and foremost focus must be on Him. And thank YOU, SRT, for helping me be in His Word every day!
Yes I’ve had this same realization recently! Abiding in His Word and presence will yield more fruit than all the Christian authors in the world ever could. And today I’m realizing I’m probably idolizing the fruit itself! So I’m repenting of that and asking Jesus to fill my heart with Him alone regardless of earthly outcome, that I may abandon my desire for the fruits and seek only Him, His kingdom, His righteousness. Just Him.
Oh Christy… You have put into words what I have been so guilty of lately. Idolize G the fruit. Yes. It is good fruit, important fruit, even fruit He has called me to produce, but Jesus is our prize. Thank you.
A good reminder for me, as well!
This! So much this! I too have had life-changing revelations due to books. With that said, it is absolutely Just Him. Amen!
Beautifully said Missy. I am guilty of trying to negotiate my own salvation!
The church is surely filled with flawed people just like me and unfortunately people often get hurt deeply inside the church. But thankfully the people that make up the bride of Christ, the church, are only a vague reflection of Jesus. Jesus is worthy of being the only way to heaven and He has paid our debt for the sin that would separate us from God for eternity. Only Jesus will never fail us, never forsake us and never forget us. Now that is something to hold on to today!
amen
Jesus sorry. The type doesn’t all show as I’m typing
That happens on my iPad, too. But anyway, yes – it is so easy to get burned! So grateful your relationship with Jesus weathered that storm. It is just Jesus…
When I idolized my pastor and church, I got burned. God was gracious in that lesson, but it still hurt. Only He could be the salve. Only Kesus
“When we have Jesus, we have all we’ll ever need.”
So true, and yet, like Thomas, too often I want to “walk by sight and not by faith”.
There is such peace to be found though in accepting that Jesus is the only way. We don’t have to worry about having all the answers or doing all the right things or making sure we don’t miss something out. We only have to look to him and rest in him. I love the image in Psalm 1 of the tree planted by the river, bearing fruit regardless of the season because of its deep roots. I want to keep my life rooted in Jesus and what he has done, rather than looking to myself or getting distracted.
Eyes on You, Lord! Eyes on You! ♥
I love the image of the tree too. I also love your words “bearing fruit regardless of the season” – so true and so hard. Things get tough and I want to look at what’s going on around me and try to manage. But to look up and let our roots sink deep … aahhhh … that’s where it’s at!! Thanks Carly B!!