Scripture Text
(John 14:6)
INTRODUCTION: The most remarkable statement by Jesus is found in this one verse...This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. In making such a statement, Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Today we will take a closer look at Jesus' statement in John 14:6, where we observe that Jesus said He is... THE WAY.
A. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD. [JOHN 14:6] Jesus was more than good man! Jesus clearly claims to be the only way to God, not a way. This may sound politically incorrect, but Jesus states the truth nonetheless. There are many religions who claim to know the way to God, but they all stress works. If you are trying to please God by works, then you must perfectly keep all of the ten commandments at all times. No one has ever done this. The bible says in Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This scripture rules out works. Romans 3:19-20 (NKJV) 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The case of God's law is against everyone, both Jew and Gentile. Peter said there is no salvation but through Jesus in Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The way to God is through a personal relationship with Jesus, not in a religion of good works. Christians have faith in Jesus Christ, not a religion or themselves.
B. HOW JESUS IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER.
1. By revealing the Father as emphasized in the gospel of John. [READ JOHN14:7-9] John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 12:44-45 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. Jesus was the fullness of God in visible form.
2. By opening the new life-giving way to the Father. Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT)19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
3. By serving as our high priest before the Father. Hebrews 2:17-18 (NLT) 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Jesus as our high priest has entered the presence of Father's throne in heaven once and for all where He sits as our High Priest before the Father.
4. By serving as intercessor for us. Jesus is the way to the Father because He is our Advocate at the right hand of God. 1 John 2:1 (NLT) My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate (lawyer) who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. Romans 8:34 (NKJV) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Jesus is the one (and only) Mediator Go-between between God and man - 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. There must be a Mediator for you to appear before God. You are not worthy on your own merits. No other religion has a mediator to approach God. Jesus is the way to the Father because He ever lives to intercede for us! He constantly pleads our case before the Father. Hebrews 7:24-25 (NKJV) 24 But Jesus, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. No other religion has a Savior that can save to the uttermost and guarantee the way to God and eternal life. Conclusion: By virtue of His perfect life that He lived on earth, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and now His intercession for us who believe in Him, Jesus is truly the only way to God! Invitation: As we have read from scripture, there is only one way to God and Jesus is that way. You must confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and then invite Him into your life to take charge of you. This is the only way to God and eternal life in Heaven with Him.
