Many perceive Jesus Christ as some meek guy with long hair and a beard who lived about 2,000 years ago; wore a simple white robe and sandals; spoke about peace, and love, and did some miracles. While this may be somewhat true, this perception completely falls short of who He truly was, is, and whom He shall reveal. Jesus spoke many words. However, one of the most important, powerful and thought-provoking declarations He made is when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” But what’s more, He drew a spiritual and eternal “line in the sand” that separated Himself from all other attempts by man to reach God when He added, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 This writing explores His proclamation because it defines His spiritual role between each of us and our Holy God. The Divine Purpose of Jesus Christ Some have attempted to degrade and weaken the divine purpose of Jesus by pointing to specific aspects of His ministry by saying He was only a good teacher, He was just a messenger, or He was simply a prophet. By doing so they fail to recognize His purpose and His relationship to God throughout time. Prior to His birth, an angel informed Mary she would give birth to the Holy One. “And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’” Luke 1:35 When Jesus was baptized, God verbally expressed His pleasure in His Son. “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:16-17 When Jews sought a means to condemn Him, Jesus revealed His eternal existence prior to His ministry on earth. “Jesus answered, ‘If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’ ” John 8:54-58 Jesus unequivocally declared who He was when He was on trial prior to His death. “Again, the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ” Mark 14:61-62 John the Apostle understood and accurately proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:16- 18  Jesus Provided Proof of His Divine Purpose Our human nature often responds with skepticism to anyone who makes verbal declarations about themselves. To move beyond disbelief, we need verifiable proof before we begin to extend our trust. His miracles not only validated His words, it also proved His divine power and authority. What’s revealing about Jesus, each time He performed a miracle He did not seek personal recognition nor praise—but sought the opposite—because everything He did was to glorify the Father and not Himself. This truth speaks volumes to the motivation of our hearts. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me.” John 14:6   “I AM THE WAY” The word “way” is defined as a means, method or manner of doing something. Way is also defined as a road or path. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, dwelt among us and demonstrated to us the “way” by being a perfect reflection and personification of God. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.” John 10:30 Jesus also said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” John 14:9-11 As Christians—although we will never be perfect like Jesus while we are living in these earthly bodies—we desire to be a reflection of Jesus Christ, as Jesus was a reflection of the Father. This desire means we must deny the sinful demands of our flesh. The source and power of this denial is found in God’s grace and love—in that we are forgiven—even when we fail—because we believe in our Savior and what He did for us on the cross. In other words, His grace and love motivate and draw us into righteousness—as opposed to obeying dictatorial demands of acceptable behavior—which will never win the heart. God’s grace and forgiveness changes us from within. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’ ” Matthew 16:24-25 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 “I AM THE TRUTH” When Jesus declared, “I am the truth,” He delineated the difference between what is truth and what is a lie. Think about the following…based upon what Jesus said, He declared that anything that attempts to: • Degrade His position to the Father…is a lie. • Dilute the accuracy and authority of His words…is a lie. • Describe any aspect of His life as imperfect…is a lie. • Define His death on the cross as less than a perfect and complete sacrifice for our sin…is a lie. • Dissuade people from believing in Jesus…is a lie. • Declare someone or something else is the “way” or a source of life…is a lie. Now take a moment, disengage from other thoughts, position your mind to look at things from a broader perspective, and contemplate the following two questions. • Do you think the number of lies we hear or see have been steadily increasing during the past years? • Is it becoming more difficult to tell what is true and what is a lie? If you perceive an increase in lies and a decrease in clarity between what is true and what is a lie…it is because of the source. Jesus Christ defined the persona of Satan when He declared, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44 The only power Satan has is to deceive, dissuade, divide, disrupt, destruct, darken—and cause spiritual delusion and death of those who reject the Truth. Yes, there’s a lot of “d” words (a coincidence), but each one is accurate. Here are some additional truths about lies. Take time to think about each of the above “d” words and truths below. • Every time we sin…it is prompted by a lie. • If you experience hatred, or anger, or bitterness…its source is a lie. • When people argue…a lie provokes their words. • Each time a person is murdered…it is motivated by a lie. • The rationale behind all wars…is based upon a lie. • Every time one of the “d” words occurs…it is driven by a lie. The persona of Satan is comprised of lies and darkness. In contrast, Jesus embodies Truth and light. Those who seek Jesus and abide in Him are set free by Him. “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ ” John 8:31-36 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 2-4 However, those who reject the Truth are blinded by Satan. “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 “I AM THE LIFE” Although Jesus lived in the physical realm, He continually spoke from a spiritual perspective. His miracles, teachings, parables and the Bible are intended to enlighten our understanding of spiritual realities and heavenly truths. The “life” Jesus referred to encompasses life while we are living, and life after we die. Life while we are living “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21 Life after we die “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25-26 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24 “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:11-13 Now imagine for a moment what it will be like when we are on the other side. Consider the overwhelming heartfelt thankfulness that will be experienced by every believer who has been saved from eternal death. Imagine what it will be like as we all lift our voices in thundering praise and worship of Jesus—the Son of God and the sacrificial Lamb who gave His life for our sins—so that our relationship with God could be restored—for eternity. “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.’” Revelation 7:9-12   “NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME” These defining words by Jesus “double down” and encapsulates His declaration that He is the way, the truth and the life. These words also state that all attempts to reach the Father by any other means will fail and result in eternal death. These are strong words…especially for those who believe there is more than one way to Heaven. “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.” Hebrews 10:12-13 “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’ ” Revelation 1:5-8 Jesus Will Return Jesus Christ was the most powerful person to ever walk on earth. What’s more, His absolute and complete power will be fully demonstrated in the near future—unlike any time in history—when the King of kings and Lord of lords returns to defeat those who will be gathered together to make war against Him (Battle of Armageddon). “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11-16 Now is the Time to Prepare Our Hearts Everyone has the ability to make choices in life. It’s how God designed us. As such, you can either believe or disbelieve in Jesus and His words—it’s your decision. The following prayer and scripture are for those who decide to believe and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Jesus, I believe you died for the sins of those who believe in You. I am a sinner; I believe in what you did for me on the cross; and I ask for your forgiveness. I invite You to come into my heart and change me from within…as I trust and follow You as my Savior and Lord. “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:13-21 “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me.” John 14:6 As the world becomes darker and increasingly difficult to see—it comforting to know we have a spiritual light in Jesus—who illuminates our path; segments truth from lies; and gives us life that exists deep within our heart and soul. Plus, regardless of our present situation, we have hope in the future! “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 I pray you continually gain a greater understanding of Jesus Christ: what He did for us, who He is, and what He will do in the future. I also pray that as each day passes, we become less like ourselves and more like Him. Glory to God, Harold D. Thomas Thought-Provoking Questions The purpose of the questions is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Bible, this Bible study topic and ourselves. The questions may be answered by each reader, or used by a Bible study group leader or church pastor. The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Each question is designed to enhance learning via personal reflection and opinions. As such, no answers are provided. However, reviewing the content of the writing may assist in determining some answers. O Jesus said, “I am the way.” • What is “the way.” Explain? • How does this relate to you? O Jesus said, “I am the truth.” • What is the relevance and importance of truth? • Has it become increasingly difficult to tell the difference between lies and truth? Explain. O Jesus said, “I am the life.” • What is your definition of life? • How does your definition of life compare to the life Jesus declared? O Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” • Is this significant? If yes, why? • What did Jesus mean by saying “through Me” ? The word “absolute” is defined as: • Total and complete with no restrictions, exceptions, or qualification required. • Definite and will not change if circumstances change. • Something that is true, accepted as fact, with no sustainable arguments against it, or conditions necessary for it to be true. O Given the above definition of absolute, are the words spoken by Jesus in John 14:6 absolute? Explain. O If Jesus is who He said He is, and if His words in John 14:6 are absolute: • Did Jesus separate Himself from all philosophies and religions? • What is the impact of His words with regards to all other philosophies and religions? O Does the following scripture reinforce and expand upon John 14:6? If yes, how? Since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. It was to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus [and rely confidently on Him as Savior]. Romans 3:23-26 (Amplified Bible) The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button. 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The words of Jesus Christ are in red text.