Jump Start # 79

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

  This is one of our Lord’s famous statements. It is a description of Himself. Similar to what God said to Moses long ago, when asked who to tell sent him, God said, “I AM.” Here Jesus declares, “I AM.”

  Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus makes several declarative statements such as: I am the door; I am the good shepherd; I am the bread of life. Here in our passage Jesus uses three, and not just any three, but way (direction), truth (genuineness; authority), life (purpose, substance).

  Jesus had told the disciples that He was leaving, talking about His death, resurrection and ascension. Once again, they did not understand. Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going…” Jesus replied with this “I am” statement.

  Similar to the sermon on the mount, where Jesus would often repeat, “…but I say to you,” our passage today identifies and declares the Lord’s position. First, it is in present tense. It is not, I will be the way, the truth, and the life soon, or even some day. Nor is it in the past tense, I once was or I used to be. Instead, I AM. I am right now. Secondly, each of these “I Am’s” is extremely revealing and important.

• I am the way. We understand that there is a “right way” and a “wrong way” to just about everything, from traveling directions, to dealing with kids, to handling problems. Jesus is the Way. He is the way to Heaven. He is the way, as this verse ends, to the Father. He is not one of many ways, He is THE WAY. If I want to be right, I’ll do things Jesus’ way. If I want to see God, I’ll follow Jesus.

• I Am the TRUTH. I am right. In the world of confusion, error and opinions, you can count on Jesus. He is the truth. He proved it by His sinless living. It was proven by His Father declaring “in Him I am well pleased.” What is right? Jesus. How do we know what to believe? What Jesus taught.

• I am the LIFE. What kind of life? Righteous, holy, godly, spiritual. It is the life that pleases God. It is the life that without guilt and shame. It is the best life. It is the life that helps others. It is the life that makes a difference.

  Thirdly, before each of these words is the article THE. I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. I am it.

  These are more than just interesting thoughts, these simple words sum up the work and mission and position of Christ. They call us to respond to each of these. Jesus is THE Way. Am I walking in that way? Am I following Christ? Jesus is THE Truth. Am I seeking that? Is Jesus the final answer for me? When the Bible says so, do I accept that or do I argue? What about what Jesus said about discipleship? What about divorce? What about commitment? What about baptism? Is He the Truth to you? Jesus is THE Life. Do I see Christianity as a life to be esteemed or dreaded? Is Christianity a kill joy or the best life anyone could live? Do I flirt with the world or do I embrace the life, including holiness, righteousness and purity? Am I glad to be a Christian? Do I serve by love and gratitude or out of fear and guilt. Am I glad to be a Christian?

  Jesus is. What about you? Powerful words. Strong declarations. In many ways Jesus is NOT the way, the truth and the life if I have not declared that in my life. These words make me look, think and act. I want Jesus to be MY way, My truth, and My life. By faith and by following, He becomes that. My Jesus. He is all the world to me!

Roger