I Am the Way (7 of 7)
Series: I Am
Joe Alain
John 14:6
One of the nice things about our area is that I can get to church in a variety of ways. Each way is a little different in scenery, number of lights and schools, and overall distances. But I know with confidence that all of them will get me to my destination of 5395 Ehrlich Road. But what's possible for me to do with my different routes and still get to my destination is not so for getting me before God the Father (read Jn. 14:6). If Jesus had said that he was ''a way'' out of many ways, we would not give these words much thought. But Jesus made an exclusive claim to be ''the way'' to the Father. To know and see the Father, you must see and believe the Son. He's the gatekeeper.
But Jesus was not only talking about heaven or eternity here, context tells us he was also talking about the here and now. What prompted Jesus to make this claim was the anxiety of his disciples, ''How are we going to live today, next week? (Read 14:1-6). The setting is the Upper Room. It's Thursday of Passion Week. The previous Sunday was what we observe today, Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly entered into Jerusalem (Matt. 21). There they ''hailed him,'' ''Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.'' But in just a few hours their shouts would be ''Nail Him!'' Jesus informs them that he will soon be leaving but will return. Thomas is confused and transparent as he voices his despair (14:5).
1. The Claim, ''I am the way and the truth and the life''
This language of ''way'' was familiar to the Jews (Deut. 5:32-33; Isa. 30:21; Ps. 27:11). ''Way'' can be translated ''road'' or ''path.'' But Jesus does not give directions or point out the way to the Father, he says He is ''the way''! That means the ''way'' is not a program it's a person. It's not a recipe it's a relationship. It's not a list of beliefs to adhere to, but a person to follow. Jesus did not merely claim to know the way as a formula to impart to ...
Series: I Am
Joe Alain
John 14:6
One of the nice things about our area is that I can get to church in a variety of ways. Each way is a little different in scenery, number of lights and schools, and overall distances. But I know with confidence that all of them will get me to my destination of 5395 Ehrlich Road. But what's possible for me to do with my different routes and still get to my destination is not so for getting me before God the Father (read Jn. 14:6). If Jesus had said that he was ''a way'' out of many ways, we would not give these words much thought. But Jesus made an exclusive claim to be ''the way'' to the Father. To know and see the Father, you must see and believe the Son. He's the gatekeeper.
But Jesus was not only talking about heaven or eternity here, context tells us he was also talking about the here and now. What prompted Jesus to make this claim was the anxiety of his disciples, ''How are we going to live today, next week? (Read 14:1-6). The setting is the Upper Room. It's Thursday of Passion Week. The previous Sunday was what we observe today, Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly entered into Jerusalem (Matt. 21). There they ''hailed him,'' ''Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.'' But in just a few hours their shouts would be ''Nail Him!'' Jesus informs them that he will soon be leaving but will return. Thomas is confused and transparent as he voices his despair (14:5).
1. The Claim, ''I am the way and the truth and the life''
This language of ''way'' was familiar to the Jews (Deut. 5:32-33; Isa. 30:21; Ps. 27:11). ''Way'' can be translated ''road'' or ''path.'' But Jesus does not give directions or point out the way to the Father, he says He is ''the way''! That means the ''way'' is not a program it's a person. It's not a recipe it's a relationship. It's not a list of beliefs to adhere to, but a person to follow. Jesus did not merely claim to know the way as a formula to impart to ...
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