Way, Truth and Life – 22 October 2021

While dining together, the heartbeat of our circle of friends announced that he would be leaving the country. “To do what?” “Have you lost your mind?” “Are you now deserting us too?” These were but a few of the questions that bombarded him. Fortunately, this jovial but potentially explosive conversation ended in peace.

Jesus breaks similarly shocking news to his disciples at the dining table. But not before encouraging them, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled, to trust in God, and also in him (Jesus). (John 14:1) It is as though he wants to communicate to them that they believed in him before the shocking news, why should they doubt now, or stop believing?

His news entails his leaving for a “No Access” zone. The purpose of his journey? He was going to prepare a place for them and when the job was done, he would come back and take them to be with him where he was. His words, “You know the way to the place where I am going,” (John 14:4) make them doubtful. So much so that Thomas knit his eyebrows together in a questioning frown – he and the other men really did not know!

Jesus lifts the veil: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7) Do you understand the depth of what Jesus is saying? Without faith in Jesus, no one has access to the Father. Without Jesus in your life, you will never really know God!

Let us consider the meaning of each of the three components of Jesus’ name:

Jesus as the Way: Nowadays, you get into your car and hit the road to any destination. Our spiritual journey to eternal life with God also demands a road (way) to get there. Jesus Christ is that way – the bridge that spans the chasm between sinful humanity and holy godliness. Remember though: no movement, no progress. “But I don’t know the way,” you excuse yourself. Honestly? With Jesus as your compass and fellow traveller to bring you safely to your destiny? And what about the Spirit and God’s Word that also guide you: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21) The question posed to you is: “When you hear, do you listen and respond?”

Jesus is the Truth of God that sets you free. He is the source and teacher of truth (Mark 12:14) and the realisation of all God’s promises. Merrill C Tenney defines truth as the reality and the ethic expressed in a person. (His Name is Wonderful, CR Swindoll, p89) Therefore, you need to live out the truth. Follow Jesus, the Messiah, the One who is the expression of truth.

Christ as the Life: The Son of Man is the source of everlasting life (John 6:27). He binds his godly life to ours – now and unto eternity. He is the truth about God and the very life of God himself. Without the Life, there is and will be no life.

Prayer: My Father, thank you that Jesus is the way, truth and life for broken and seeking people. Open our spiritual ears to hear your voice even clearer. Amen