Thursday, 10^th April 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What does Jesus mean by this bold assertion?

A post-Christian generation like ours allows for anything to go; pluralism is the order of the day. Many in our world today accept all religions as the same and valid, affirming many ways to God, accepting various spiritual leaders and prophets as being from God, and expressing belief in multiple gods. Others also express belief in one God, but in many/several ways to him. The doctrine of the exclusivity of Christ Jesus (Solus Christus) is unacceptable to many, and the proponents of the same are tagged as arrogant. There is a subtle agenda for the equalization of all religions – we all serve one God, and there are several ways one can reach this God; all religions are true, and there is none that is false.

Chapter 13 is a record of the many things Jesus told his disciples regarding his departure, his betrayal, and his denial by the disciples. No doubt this brought them sadness; chapter 14 begins with “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” This was the beginning of several assurances to calm their anxiety and fear – His death will not be the end but the beginning. He delves into the hope of the Christian – I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself. That is where I am, and you may be too. Hallelujah. Paul confirms the hope of the Christian by affirming that “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied – 1 Corinthians 15:19.”

The highlight of the conversation was triggered by Thomas’ question, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” The response from Christ Jesus affirms his exclusivity in matters of salvation. Total salvation is by faith in Christ Jesus alone - “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If anyone will ever want to be with the Father, it can only happen through me, Jesus boldly asserts. What does Jesus mean by these bold words that offend many and are mostly unacceptable in our pluralistic society?

I am the way. By this, he affirms to all that if anyone would ever want to be where the Father is, it will be by no other means but through him. He is the only way through whom reconciliation with the Father can be attained.

Anyone who confesses and believes in his heart that Jesus is Lord will be saved – Romans 10:9. There exist many religions and many spiritual leaders, but Christ Jesus is the only way to God the Father.

I am the truth. He here asserts that truth is a person, and it is He. Anybody who receives or comes to the knowledge of who Jesus is experiences liberation from captivity (John 8:32). 

Jesus is the truth that liberates us from the power of sin, and he is the truth that sustains us in our progressive sanctification process till we fully become like him when he appears. He is the word of God – John 1:1.

I am the life. Death came through a man (Adam), but in Christ Jesus, all will be made alive – 1 Corinthians 15:21-22. All who are in Christ are the recipients of his life.

Yesterday, in our devotion, we noted how he brought life to the physically dead Lazarus by affirming that he is the Resurrection and the Life. This life Jesus gives is eternal; it goes beyond this world, welling up into eternity.

Beloved in Christ, these words from Jesus are not just a comfort to the anxious—they are a clear call to conviction in a generation that resists absolute truth. It is both an anchor and a dividing line. This Lenten season, may this bold declaration cause you not only to rest in the assurance of your salvation but also to examine your heart afresh: Is Christ truly your only way? Do you walk daily in His truth? Are you living in the fullness of His life? May your answer be a resounding yes—and may your life reflect it. God bless you.

FURTHER READING – John 14:1-14

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How well do you know Jesus?

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, thank you that in Christ I have access to You, truth to liberate and guide me in my walk with You, and finally, life eternal. Grant me the grace to be firm in my convictions of the fact that it is only in and through Christ Jesus that we have the greatest opportunity to be with the Father eternally, in Christ Jesus. Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Acts 10; Deuteronomy 26-27; Psalm 100