Jesus: The Exclusive Way, Truth, and Life
Summary
In my recent sermon, I began by exploring the profound "I am" statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John, which echo the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus. I emphasized that Jesus' self-identification as "I am" directly connects Him to the God of Israel, affirming His divinity. I reflected on previous discussions about Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, the gate, the good shepherd, and the resurrection and life, culminating in the powerful declaration in John 14 where Jesus responds to Thomas's question about the way to God. Jesus proclaims, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life," asserting that no one comes to the Father except through Him. This statement is not just a path to follow but signifies Jesus as the embodiment of access to life with God.
I then addressed the issue of truth in our postmodern society, where the concept of objective truth is often dismissed. I illustrated this with an anecdote from a Pret Foundation meeting and a recent scandal involving the prescription of puberty blockers, highlighting the consequences of subjective truth. I contrasted this with the objective truth of Jesus Christ, who is the truth that stands outside of personal opinion and is as reliable as the chairs that hold us up against gravity.
Moving forward, I spoke about Jesus as the life, offering eternal life that never ends. I shared my personal experience from my interview at London Theological Seminary, where I cited John 3:16, underscoring the everlasting life promised through belief in Jesus. I discussed Jesus' victory over death, His resurrection, and the implications for us to live abundant lives in Christ. This abundant life is characterized by joy, purpose, and fulfillment found in an intimate relationship with God, freedom from sin, and the unconditional love of Christ.
I then called for a response to Jesus' exclusive claim as the way, the truth, and the life. I urged the congregation to turn away from sin, trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and surrender to His leadership. I emphasized the importance of deepening our relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship. I stressed the need to live according to Jesus' teachings, aligning our lives with His commandments, and trusting His guidance in every aspect of life.
I encouraged sharing our faith with others, inviting them to embrace Jesus as the exclusive way to salvation, and to persevere in faith despite doubts and challenges. I concluded with an invitation for those who have not yet trusted in Jesus to do so, emphasizing that today could be the day of salvation and the beginning of a new relationship with Jesus that lasts for eternity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus' "I am" statements are not merely self-identifications but divine declarations that connect Him to the God of Israel and affirm His deity. As we reflect on these statements, we are reminded of the depth of Jesus' identity and the profound implications for our faith and understanding of God. [01:22]
2. In a world where truth is often seen as subjective, Jesus stands as the objective truth that is reliable and unchanging. Our faith is grounded in the truth of Christ, which is as dependable as the laws of physics that govern our reality. This truth is not relative but absolute, providing a firm foundation for our beliefs and actions. [11:57]
3. Jesus offers us eternal life, a concept that challenges our finite minds but promises a future beyond our earthly existence. This eternal life is not just a continuation but a quality of life rooted in a relationship with Jesus, who is the source of all life. As we ponder this promise, we are invited to embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers. [15:35]
4. Living an abundant life in Christ means experiencing the fullness of joy, purpose, and fulfillment that comes from being in a relationship with Him. This life is marked by spiritual fulfillment, freedom from sin, and the unconditional love of Christ, which we are called to reflect in our interactions with others. [17:54]
5. Embracing Jesus as the exclusive way, truth, and life requires a personal commitment and an ongoing spiritual journey. It involves acknowledging Jesus' claims, surrendering to His Lordship, and allowing His love and grace to transform every aspect of our being. This commitment leads to a life of joy, peace, and purpose rooted in our relationship with Jesus. [23:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
3. Exodus 3:14 - "God said to Moses, 'I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I am has sent me to you.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" in John 14:6? How does this statement relate to His identity as the "I am"? [02:26]
2. How does John 3:16 describe the promise of eternal life? What is required to receive this promise?
3. In Exodus 3:14, what significance does the name "I am" hold, and how does Jesus' use of this name in the Gospel of John connect Him to the God of Israel? [01:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' claim to be "the way" challenge the idea of multiple paths to God? What implications does this have for interfaith dialogue? [08:23]
2. In what ways does Jesus being "the truth" provide a foundation for our beliefs and actions in a world that often views truth as subjective? [11:57]
3. How does the promise of eternal life in John 3:16 shape our understanding of life and death? What comfort or challenges does this bring to our daily lives? [14:31]
4. How can the concept of Jesus as "the life" influence our perspective on living an abundant life? What does it mean to experience fullness of joy, purpose, and fulfillment in Christ? [17:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal journey. How have you experienced Jesus as "the way" in your life? Are there areas where you struggle to trust His guidance? [23:15]
2. In what ways can you ground your faith in the objective truth of Jesus amidst a society that often views truth as relative? How can you share this truth with others? [11:57]
3. Eternal life is a promise that extends beyond our earthly existence. How does this promise affect your daily decisions and priorities? [14:31]
4. Living an abundant life in Christ involves joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Identify one area in your life where you seek more of this abundance. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus in this area? [17:54]
5. Jesus calls us to turn away from sin and trust in Him. Is there a specific sin or habit you need to surrender to Jesus? How can you seek accountability and support in your small group? [23:15]
6. How can you actively share your faith with others, inviting them to embrace Jesus as the exclusive way to salvation? Think of one person you can reach out to this week. [24:30]
7. Persevering in faith can be challenging. What doubts or challenges are you currently facing? How can you lean on the Holy Spirit and your community for strength and perseverance? [24:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Identity of Jesus
Jesus' declaration of "I am" is not a casual remark but a profound assertion of His divine nature, connecting Him to the God of Israel. This claim is a cornerstone of Christian faith, as it directly ties Jesus to the eternal, self-existent God who spoke to Moses in the burning bush. By understanding these "I am" statements, believers are invited to delve deeper into the mystery of Christ's identity and the implications it has for their relationship with God. It is a call to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure or a moral teacher, but as the living embodiment of God Himself. This recognition is foundational to the Christian belief system and shapes the way one approaches worship, prayer, and daily living. The acknowledgment of Jesus' deity is essential for grasping the fullness of the salvation He offers and the authority by which He speaks into the lives of His followers. [01:22]
John 8:58 ESV
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the "I am" influence your understanding of His teachings and your personal relationship with Him?
Day 2: Jesus as the Objective Truth
In a culture where truth is often seen as subjective and personal, Jesus stands as the objective truth, unchanging and reliable. This truth is not swayed by popular opinion or cultural trends; it is as steadfast as the laws of physics that govern the universe. Believers are called to ground their lives in the truth of Christ, which provides a firm foundation in a world of shifting sands. This absolute truth is a source of comfort and guidance, offering clarity in a sea of confusion and a standard by which to discern right from wrong. It is a truth that demands a response and calls for a life built upon the solid rock of Christ's teachings and promises. [11:57]
2 Timothy 2:19 ESV
But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."
Reflection: In what ways can you anchor your daily decisions and moral compass in the objective truth of Jesus Christ?
Day 3: The Promise of Eternal Life
The promise of eternal life through Jesus is a profound mystery that transcends human understanding. It is not merely an extension of our temporal existence but a transformation into a quality of life that is rooted in an intimate relationship with Christ. This eternal life begins now, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and continues beyond the veil of death into a future filled with hope and the presence of God. It is a life characterized by the joy of knowing Jesus, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the love that knows no bounds. Believers are invited to embrace this promise, allowing it to shape their perspective on life, death, and the purpose of their existence. [15:35]
1 John 5:11-12 ESV
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life in Jesus shape the way you live your life today?
Day 4: Abundant Life in Christ
Living an abundant life in Christ means experiencing the fullness of joy, purpose, and fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Him. This life is not defined by material wealth or earthly success but by spiritual richness, freedom from the bondage of sin, and the unconditional love of Christ. Believers are called to reflect this love in their interactions with others, to live out the commandments of Jesus, and to find their ultimate satisfaction in Him. This abundant life is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, which brings light to the darkest places and offers hope to the weary soul. [17:54]
Ephesians 3:17-19 ESV
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Reflection: What is one way you can live out the abundant life Jesus offers in your interactions with others this week?
Day 5: Commitment to Christ's Exclusive Claim
Embracing Jesus as the exclusive way, truth, and life is a personal commitment that requires surrendering to His Lordship and allowing His love and grace to transform every aspect of one's being. This commitment is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of faith, marked by a deepening relationship with Jesus through prayer, study, worship, and fellowship. It is a life of joy, peace, and purpose, rooted in the truth of who Jesus is and the salvation He offers. Believers are called to share this truth with others, inviting them to experience the life-changing power of the gospel and to stand firm in their faith amidst doubts and challenges. [23:15]
Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to deepen your commitment to Jesus, and how can you take a step toward that today?
Quotes
We need to turn away from sin and place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. Which means surrounding your life, or surrendering your life to his leadership. We need to deepen our relationship with him. We need to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible and spending time in worship and fellowship with other believers as we're doing this morning. [23:15]
And Jesus is the truth. So he's the way. He's the truth. Now we come to perhaps the greatest one of all. He's the life. He's the life. When I was interviewed for London Theological Seminary, about ten years ago I suppose now, I was asked what the most important verse in the Bible was. And I quoted this. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. [15:35]
Showing that he had power over death and life in himself. But more spectacularly, he rose from the dead. Three days after he was put in the grave. Up from the grave he arose, we sing. And what does that mean? It means that he has conquered death. And that he gives us new life when we put our trust in him. [17:54]
Living an abundant life in Christ means that we experience fullness of joy. Purpose and fulfilment that comes from being in a relationship with Jesus. We get spiritual fulfilment. It means finding spiritual fulfilment through intimacy with God. We read how if you've seen me, Jesus said, you've seen the Father. Because I am in the Father and the Father is in me. [19:02]
Embracing Jesus as the exclusive way, truth and life involves both the personal commitment and an ongoing spiritual journey. So here are some steps. We need to acknowledge Jesus' claims, don't we? Recognise and accept Jesus' name. We need to make a declaration that he is the only way to God. The ultimate truth and the source of eternal life. [21:37]
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