Good morning,
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God.
In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me unto you’” (Exodus 3:14). Thus, in Judaism, “I AM” is unquestionably understood as a name for God. Whenever Jesus made an “I am” statement in which He claimed attributes of deity, He was identifying Himself as God.
Jesus states, I am the bread of life, light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine.
This week we will at each of these I AM statements.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:1-6)
The other sayings were limited to just one metaphor. Jesus was comforting His disciples about going away when the doubting disciple Thomas asked, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
Jesus responded by saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Perhaps Jesus used three metaphors to convince doubting Thomas in the presence of the other disciples that He was all three: the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus explains what He is about to do. He is going home to heaven to prepare a place for all those who believe in Jesus. Then, He tells them He is coming back to receive them. That where He is, they will also be there.
Thomas is confused. He asks the question no one else was willing to ask. Jesus had already answered his question. Jesus said He was coming back for them. They did not have to find their way.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus point is, there is only one way a can person to be saved, go to heaven, and be with Jesus forever. It is by trusting, by faith, in the finished work of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. No other way will suffice.
The stakes are high. Heaven with Jesus. Hell any other way.
Choose wisely!
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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