I Am the Way

The sixth I AM Jesus claimed for himself is “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This I AM has three distinct parts we will look at in three separate lessons. In this lesson we will consider his claim that he is “the way” not “a way.” In Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 we read, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death” (NET). There appears to be just two ways we need to consider. First, there is the way with Jesus and second, there is a way that people apart from Jesus think is the right way. Paul speaks of these two ways in his letter to the Ephesians.

Paul tells us, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 NET). The two ways are either as a gift given by God or it is an attempt to accomplish enough good works. As humans we are taught by the world system that reward comes from hard work and/or great accomplishments. We thus think if we work hard enough and do enough good work then God will reward us with entrance into his heaven. The problem is we are spiritually dead and we need spiritual life and Jesus has that and is willing to give it to those who come to him. The way is not by what we can accomplish, but through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our pride drives us to work to prove ourselves, but all that is needed is for us to humble ourselves before Jesus and accept his gift of life.

We will consider his claim of being the Truth next time.