“I am the way, the truth, and the life…”

Jeremy Northrop

            Jesus stated the words of John 14:6 at a very pivotal time. He had just finished predicting Peter would deny Him three times and Judas would betray Him. The death of Christ would shortly come to pass. Anyone who was a follower or a disciple of Christ (as the apostles who were present in John 14) would know Jesus was not going to be with them much longer. He had been with them some three years and, no doubt, they would be deeply concerned thinking about how they would survive without their Leader. The implication of their fear is seen in the phrases Jesus uses to comfort them. John 14:1 says, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” Later in the chapter, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

            Initially, Jesus provides some comfort for His followers by explaining what He is going to do and how he will be coming back for them. The disciples were somewhat confused by his statement when Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). This is when Jesus says in the next verse, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Each of these descriptions of Christ provides insight into who He was and what He came to do.

            First, Jesus says, “I am the way….” The singular use of “I” and the use of the definite article “the” give a clear indication that Jesus is the only way. The current dogma of western culture is to say there are several ways to salvation. Jesus and His doctrine indicate quite clearly the opposite. Jesus, in the context, spoke of how He is going to His Father’s House or Heaven. Specifically, He is going to prepare a place for His followers and will one day return for them. Following the doctrine or teaching of Christ will lead one to Heaven. Jesus showed the way through the example of His life and is the way by following after Him. He is the way to salvation by His doctrine (John 6:68). He is the way to salvation by His example (1Peter 2:21). He is the way to salvation by His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:8-9). He is the way to salvation by His spirit (John 16:13). Interestingly, throughout the book of Acts, following Christ or being Christians was often referred to as “the Way” (Acts 9:2, 18:25, 19:9, 23, 24:14, 22). People are looking for salvation and they will not find it anywhere but in Christ. Speaking of Jesus, Acts 4:12 says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

            Jesus also says, “I am the truth….” He came as the Word according to John 1:14-18,

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”

Jesus is the source of truth as “...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Jesus explains the way people today can find salvation is through truth (John 17:17). The way to salvation is through truth.

            Finally, Jesus says, “I am the life….” In John 13:15, Jesus proves an example or pattern of humility. In James 5:10, He is the example of suffering and patience. All of this is summed up in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus provides a pattern for Christians to follow after today. More than that, Jesus is the way to eternal life. Hence, Jesus said people must believe on Him in order to have eternal life (John 3:16). He gave His life so that people today can have life. Thus, Jesus is the life that Christians live now and the life which Christians can have in eternity. All of this is possible because He gave His life for all so that all could have life. This has often been described as the ultimate paradox. Another way Jesus is the life is that He is the way Christians can deal with life. Paul exclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Christians today can overcome and cope with life through Christ.

            Today, the world is full of people who are looking for ways to live life to the fullest. Some of the sarcastic phrases which are often stated are “Go and get a life” or “I have no life.” These phrases are indicative of what people are looking for both in themselves and in others. They are looking to live life to the fullest. God knows such and has even expressed that He can provide such a life for people who will follow after Him. For example John said, “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1John 1:4). The book of 1John goes on to tell how “walking in the light” will bring one the sense of purpose and real meaning in life. Paul said Jesus, “...is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...” (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus explains the path to the exceeding abundant life or the way that a Christian’s joy can be full in John 14:6. He is, “the way, the truth, and the life.” The way to life is through the truth. This is why Jesus would say elsewhere, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The way to freedom, the way to an abundant life, the way to fulfilled joy is through truth. Jesus can provide all these things.

            “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).