Read John 13:36-14:6

Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life

Put yourself in the apostles’ shoes. You have spent the majority of your time with Jesus, and He has taught you many things over the past three years. But there is one topic to which He keeps returning: His death. He says He will be raised again, but do you take that literally? He has said so many things that are figurative, but this one thing He never explains, or so you think.

And now, Jesus says He is going somewhere that you cannot follow. Peter says that he still wants to follow, and he is even willing to die for Him, but Jesus says that He is going somewhere “to prepare a place for you,” and then, “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:2-3). So you can’t go now, but Jesus will come back to get you. Finally, Jesus tells you, “And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:4). Would you again question if He is speaking literally or figuratively?

Thomas was likely wondering this very thing and he decided to ask a question. Questions are a good thing when asked from an honest heart. Do not hesitate to ask questions but be prepared for the answer. Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).

Jesus’ answer is one of the profound “I am” statements recorded in the gospel according to John: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Do you accept Jesus’ answer? Do you follow Him as the way, the truth, and the life?

Jesus is very clear: He is the only way to the Father. Neither Muhammed, nor Buddha, nor the Pope, nor your denominational pastor, can get you to heaven. They do not know the way, and they do not teach the truth. Only Jesus. If you are following someone that is not following the Bible, you’re going the wrong way (John 8:32).

Jesus also says He is the life. He provides abundant life here (John 10:10) and eternal life in heaven (John 3:14-16; 5:24; 1 John 5:12-13) to His followers. Are you following Him?