Following Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life

 

Summary

In the midst of life's complexities and the disorientation that often accompanies our journey, we are confronted with the profound declaration of Jesus: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This statement, delivered on the eve of His arrest, is not merely a comforting sentiment but a radical claim that demands a response. It is a claim that leaves us with no neutral ground; we must either accept Jesus for who He says He is or dismiss Him entirely.

Jesus' declaration comes at a time of great uncertainty for His disciples. They are grappling with the reality of betrayal, denial, and the impending departure of their leader. Into this tumult, Jesus speaks words that are meant to reassure and comfort, not to instill further fear. He does not offer them a set of directions or a formula for navigating life's maze; instead, He offers Himself as the guide. In doing so, Jesus emphasizes that it is not about knowing each turn or decision ahead but about following Him, the one who knows the way.

When we feel lost, Jesus is our guide. He is the way through the confusion and the chaos. He is the path to eternal life, inviting us to die to our old selves and be born again into a life of following Him. When we are bombarded with misinformation and struggle to discern truth from fiction, Jesus stands as the ultimate fact-checker for our souls. He is the truth that cuts through the noise, offering clarity and certainty in a world of uncertainty.

Moreover, Jesus is the life. Our own attempts to find meaning and purpose often leave us feeling empty and exhausted. Jesus offers us a different kind of life – one that is abundant and eternal, starting now. He is the source of genuine connection, purpose, and belonging that we all crave. In Him, we find the energy and direction to live a life that truly matters.

As we reflect on these truths, we are called to recommit and resurrender our lives to Jesus. We must actively participate in following Him, even though it may lead us through unfamiliar territory. The responsibility of navigating life is shared; while we must be proactive in seeking Jesus, He carries the ultimate responsibility of guiding us to where we need to go.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' claim to be "the way, the truth, and the life" is not a mere religious platitude but a profound truth that shapes our entire existence. We must recognize that following Jesus is not about having a clear set of directions but about trusting in Him as our guide through life's complexities. [01:02:49]

- In a world filled with misinformation and confusion, Jesus stands as the definitive source of truth. He is not just another voice among many but the voice that defines reality itself. As we navigate the challenges of discerning truth, we must look to Jesus as our ultimate fact-checker. [01:11:02]

- Jesus offers us more than just a moral teaching; He offers us life itself. Our pursuit of purpose and joy outside of Him will inevitably fall short. In Jesus, we find the fulfillment of our deepest longings and the promise of eternal life that begins in the present. [01:14:32]

- The call to follow Jesus is both a personal commitment and a communal journey. We cannot walk this path alone; we need the support and encouragement of a community of believers who can lift us up when we falter and celebrate with us when we thrive. [01:20:30]

- To follow Jesus is to embrace a life of continual transformation. It is a daily decision to seek His way, to allow His truth to shape our understanding, and to live the life He offers. This journey requires both proactive engagement and a reliance on Jesus to lead us to our ultimate destination. [01:19:27]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:1-7
- "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that 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 where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances under which Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? ([54:14])
2. How did Jesus respond to Thomas's question about not knowing the way? ([55:30])
3. What emotions and uncertainties were the disciples experiencing during the Last Supper? ([56:04])
4. How does Jesus describe the relationship between knowing Him and knowing the Father? ([55:30])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' statement "I am the way, the truth, and the life" considered a radical claim that demands a response? ([53:37])
2. How does Jesus' role as "the way" provide guidance in the midst of life's complexities and uncertainties? ([58:00])
3. In what ways does Jesus being "the truth" help us navigate a world filled with misinformation and confusion? ([01:09:43])
4. How does Jesus offering "the life" differ from our own attempts to find meaning and purpose? ([01:12:45])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or uncertain. How can you actively seek Jesus as your guide in similar situations moving forward? ([58:00])
2. In what areas of your life are you struggling to discern truth from fiction? How can you turn to Jesus as your ultimate fact-checker? ([01:09:43])
3. Consider your current pursuits for meaning and purpose. How can you shift your focus to the abundant and eternal life that Jesus offers? ([01:12:45])
4. How can you recommit and resurrender your life to Jesus, especially in areas where you have been trying to navigate on your own? ([01:17:05])
5. Think about the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to follow Jesus more closely? ([01:20:30])
6. Identify one specific way you can be proactive in following Jesus this week. What steps will you take to seek His guidance and truth in your daily life? ([01:18:19])
7. Reflect on the statement, "Jesus is everything that we need." How can you simplify your life to focus more on following Jesus and less on worldly distractions? ([01:21:07])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting Jesus as Our Guide

In a world brimming with uncertainty and complex challenges, it is easy to feel lost and without direction. The profound truth that Jesus is "the way" offers not just solace but a clear directive for life's journey. Unlike a simple roadmap with predictable turns and destinations, following Jesus is an exercise in trust. It is about relinquishing the need for control and allowing Him to lead, even when the path ahead is not visible. This trust is not passive; it is an active reliance on Jesus, acknowledging that He knows the way through every situation and season of life.



When disorientation strikes, as it inevitably will, the invitation is to lean into the relationship with Jesus, to seek His presence and guidance. It is in the moments of surrender that one finds the true path, marked not by the absence of trouble but by the presence of the Savior. The journey with Jesus is one of continual learning and growth, where each step taken in faith reveals more of the way He has set before us. [07:40]



"Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.'" - Isaiah 48:17 ESV



Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel lost or uncertain? How can you practice trusting Jesus as your guide in this area today?





Day 2: Jesus as the Definitive Source of Truth

In an era where misinformation abounds and the line between truth and fiction becomes increasingly blurred, the need for an absolute reference point is paramount. Jesus' claim to be "the truth" is not just a comforting thought but a radical assertion that He embodies the ultimate reality. He is the lens through which all other information should be filtered, the fact-checker for the soul. This means that when faced with conflicting messages and the cacophony of voices vying for attention, one can turn to Jesus to find clarity and certainty.



The pursuit of truth is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual discipline. It involves immersing oneself in the words and life of Jesus, allowing His teachings and example to shape one's understanding and actions. In doing so, one can navigate the complexities of life with confidence, knowing that the truth of Jesus is the foundation upon which to build a life of integrity and purpose. [11:02]



"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." - Isaiah 30:21 ESV



Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice of seeking Jesus' truth to discern reality amidst the noise and misinformation you encounter?





Day 3: Embracing Life in Jesus

The human quest for meaning and fulfillment often leads to dead ends and dissatisfaction. Jesus' declaration of being "the life" presents a transformative alternative to the empty pursuits that the world offers. He invites individuals to experience a life that is abundant and eternal, beginning in the here and now. This life in Jesus is characterized by a deep sense of purpose, connection, and joy that cannot be found elsewhere. It is a life that truly matters, marked by the vibrancy and fullness that come from being rooted in the Creator.



To embrace this life is to undergo a radical shift in identity and priorities. It means dying to the old self, with its selfish ambitions and fleeting pleasures, and being reborn into a life that is aligned with the values and mission of Jesus. It is a journey of transformation that impacts every aspect of existence, offering a new perspective on what it means to live fully and authentically. [14:32]



"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." - Colossians 3:3-4 ESV



Reflection: What aspects of your life are you trying to find fulfillment in outside of Jesus? How can you begin to shift your focus to finding life in Him instead?





Day 4: The Communal Journey of Faith

Following Jesus is not a solitary endeavor but a communal journey. The call to follow Him is deeply personal, yet it is within the context of community that faith is nurtured and sustained. Believers are called to walk alongside one another, offering support, encouragement, and accountability. This shared journey is a source of strength, as individuals are lifted up in times of weakness and rejoiced with in times of victory. The Christian community serves as a tangible expression of Jesus' love and presence, a space where individuals can grow and thrive together in their pursuit of Him.



The importance of community in the Christian life cannot be overstated. It is within the bonds of fellowship that one finds the courage to face challenges and the wisdom to navigate life's complexities. The community acts as a mirror, reflecting the image of Christ and reminding each member of their identity and calling in Him. [20:30]



"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV



Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community this week to both give and receive encouragement on your journey with Jesus?





Day 5: A Life of Continual Transformation

To follow Jesus is to embrace a dynamic process of change. It is a daily decision to seek His way, to allow His truth to inform one's understanding, and to live out the life He offers. This journey of transformation is not static; it requires proactive engagement and a willingness to be molded by the hands of the Divine Sculptor. Each day presents new opportunities to grow, to learn, and to become more like Jesus in thought, word, and deed.



The path of transformation is marked by a series of small, intentional choices. It is in the daily rhythms of prayer, scripture reading, and service that one's character is shaped and refined. As believers actively participate in their own spiritual formation, they also rely on Jesus to guide and empower them. It is a partnership where human effort and divine grace converge, leading to a life that is ever evolving and maturing in Christ. [19:27]



"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV



Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to engage in the process of transformation and become more like Jesus in your daily life?

Quotes

- "When Jesus says I am the way, he's saying I am a person to be followed. This is how life is to be navigated; you might not know where you are going, but as long as you're with me, you're okay." [01:04:01](Download | Download)

- "Jesus is saying in that moment I am the way through to eternal life, and you need to follow me through that same path... Jesus is saying I am the way in your little day-to-day decisions." [01:05:12](Download | Download)

- "If you're confused today, Jesus is the truth. He is, if you will, your fake news alarm in a post-truth world... Jesus is the truth that cuts through the noise, offering clarity and certainty in a world of uncertainty." [01:06:34](Download | Download)

- "Jesus says I am the life. He says I am life itself, the author of Life, The Meaning of Life, The Giver of Life... Jesus offers us Abundant Life, not just material success but deep sense of purpose, connection, relationship." [01:14:32](Download | Download)

- "If Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, he makes this clear, then there are no other ways, truths, or lives that will work. Jesus is supreme, he is singular, and he is alone in his ability to make this claim." [01:15:46](Download | Download)

- "The way of Jesus requires an active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar territory in circumstances that become clear only in the hesitations and questionings." [01:17:44](Download | Download)

- "Jesus isn't unfairly excluding people; he's saying I am God and therefore if I created this, this is the way you need to go. Logically there's no other option. We need to remember that today." [01:17:05](Download | Download)

- "Jesus is everything that we need. As Jesus went to the cross through death and Resurrection, he confirmed in that moment to his disciples and to us everything that we needed to know." [01:21:07](Download | Download)

- "Jesus is the answer to what they're seeking for, that he is the ache in their soul that they're feeling. Jesus is the way that I want to follow, he is the truth that I'm going to cling to, he is the only life that I want." [01:22:24](Download | Download)

- "Jesus's statement 'I am the way and the truth and the life' comes in response to a question... into the disorientation of the disciples he says to them I am the way into their confusion he says I am the truth." [58:00](Download | Download)

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Transcript
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