“I am the WAY. I am the truth. And I am the life. No one comes to Father except through me.”
John 14:6
In today’s pluralistic world, the most controversial statement that Jesus ever made concerned Himself.
He said: “I am the way. I am the truth. And I am the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
It was offensive in the first century and even more so today. People of other religions are outraged by it. Secularists are appalled by it. Many see it as scandalous and arrogant. Why? Because they argue that there are multiple ways to God. The thinking is that everybody can just find his or her own way through different paths.
I have to admit Jesus’ statement was pretty shocking. In an inclusive, politically correct culture, His statement was so exclusive. It raises questions like, “Is this true?” or “Is Jesus a liar or a madman?” Oftentimes, these questions are brought to me: “Why do Christians feel like they have the only way to God?”
Well, Christians don’t, but Jesus does. He is the one who made this exclusive claim. And I don’t know about you, but anyone who predicts His own death and comes back to life is worth looking into.
Yet, as exclusive as this “one and only one way to the Father” statement was, Jesus is the most inclusive man ever. He came to give His life for all so that all might know the Father. Yes, there is only one way, but everyone is invited to know the way. It’s a matter of choice: Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? Do you believe Jesus is telling the truth?
Over the course of the next few days, we will look closer at this amazing and offensive claim. Ultimately, the decision on whether you’ll choose to believe is up to you. If it’s true, it means everything. If it is not true, then you certainly don’t want to believe a liar, or at best, a misguided fool.
So, let’s take a deeper look, and you can decide for yourself. See you back here tomorrow!
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH