John 14:5-6, “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus was talking with His friends (His disciples). He told them He would leave soon to go to a special place He was preparing. His friends were confused and sad. They did not understand where Jesus was going or how to follow Him. Thomas asked Jesus an honest question explaining his confusion. He thought Jesus was simply going to another city. “Lord, we do not know where you are going?” In other words, “How can we know the correct path to follow you?” Jesus’ clear answer: “I AM the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus gave Thomas a very important answer. This answer tells us everything we need to know about finding God. Since Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, no person may approach the Father except through the Son.
Jesus did not say He would show us a way. He said that He is the way. Jesus did not promise to teach us a truth. He said that He is the truth. Jesus did not offer us the secrets to life. He said that He is the life. Jesus made this remarkable statement, claiming that He was the only way to God. In this, He announced that He was the fulfillment of what the temple and its rituals declared, and He announced that all other religions are false. He clearly claimed to have the only pathway to God the Father. This was one of the more controversial things Jesus said. Many people don’t mind saying that Jesus is one legitimate way to God, but think other religions also have their own ways. Many think it isn’t fair for God to make only one way.
Many people are looking for meaning in life. Jesus is the Way. Many people want to know what is true and right? Jesus is the Truth. Many people want a life that lasts forever? Jesus is the Life. Since Jesus is the only way, we do not need to be confused. We simply need to follow Him. This brings peace and certainty, even when life is hard. Knowing Jesus is the only way helps us make Jesus the most important person in our lives.
(Today’s devotion was authored by Bro. Joshua Soliz, a LIFE Group leader and preacher at RBC.)