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Bible Study
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Title: What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6)
Source: [None]
URL Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/way-truth-life.html
Published: Oct 13, 2014
Author: Got ?
Post Date: 2014-10-13 15:50:42 by A K A Stone
Keywords: None
Views: 22173
Comments: 46

Question: "What did Jesus mean when He said 'I am the way and the truth and the life' (John 14:6)?"

Answer: “I am the way and the truth and the life” is one of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. On the last night before His betrayal and death, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the days ahead. For over three years, these men had been following Jesus and learning from His teaching and example. They had placed their hopes in Him as the Messiah, the promised deliverer, yet they still didn't understand how He was going to accomplish that deliverance. After the Last Supper, Jesus began speaking about His departure, which led to questions from His disciples.

In John 13:33, Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.” This prompted Peter to ask where He was going (v. 36). Peter and the others did not understand that Jesus was speaking of His death and ascension to Heaven. Jesus' response was “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter was still misunderstanding and declared that he would follow Jesus anywhere and even lay His life down if necessary. As Jesus patiently continued to teach His disciples, He began speaking more plainly about heaven, describing the place He was going to prepare for them (John 14:2-3). Then Jesus said “You know the way to the place where I am going” (v. 4). Speaking for the others, Thomas said they did not know where He was going, so how could they know how to follow Him there? It was to this question that Jesus uttered one of the seven famous “I am” statements.

I am – In the Greek language, “I am” is a very intense way of referring to oneself. It would be comparable to saying, “I myself, and only I, am.” Several other times in the Gospels we find Jesus using these words. In Matthew 22:32 Jesus quotes Exodus 3:6, where God uses the same intensive form to say “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” In John 8:58, Jesus said “Truly, truly I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am.” The Jews clearly understood Jesus to be calling Himself God because they took up stones to stone Him for committing blasphemy in equating Himself with God. In Matthew 28:20, as Jesus gave the Great Commission, He gave it emphasis by saying “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” When the soldiers came seeking Jesus in the garden the night before His crucifixion, He told them “I am he” and His words were so powerful that the soldiers fell to the ground (John 18:4-6). These words reflect the very name of God in Hebrew, Yahweh, which means “to be” or “the self-existing one.” It is the name of power and authority, and Jesus claimed it as His own.

The way – Jesus used the definite article to distinguish Himself as “the only way.” A way is a path or route, and the disciples had expressed their confusion about where He was going, and how they could follow. As He had told them from the beginning, Jesus was again telling them (and us) “follow me.” There is no other path to Heaven, no other way to the Father. Peter reiterated this same truth years later to the rulers in Jerusalem, saying about Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The exclusive nature of the only path to salvation is expressed in the words “I am the way.”

The truth – Again Jesus used the definite article to emphasize Himself as “the only truth.” Psalm 119:142 says “Your law is the truth.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded His listeners of several points of the Law, then said “but I say unto you...” (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44), thereby equating Himself with the Law of God as the authoritative standard of righteousness. In fact, Jesus said that He came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Jesus, as the incarnate Word of God (John 1:1) is the source of all truth.

The life – Jesus had just been telling His disciples about His impending death, and now He was claiming to be the source of all life. In John 10:17-18, Jesus declared that He was going to lay down His life for His sheep, and then take it back again. He spoke of His authority over life and death as being granted to Him by the Father. In John 14:19, He gave the promise that “because I live, you also will live.” The deliverance He was about to provide was not a political or social deliverance (which most of the Jews were seeking), but a true deliverance from a life of bondage to sin and death to a life of freedom in eternity.

In these words, Jesus was declaring Himself the great “I Am,” the only path to righteousness, the only true measure of righteousness, and the source of both physical and spiritual life. He was staking His claim as the very God of Creation, the Lord who blessed Abraham, and the Holy One who inhabits eternity. He did this so the disciples would be able to face the dark days ahead and carry on the mission of declaring the gospel to the world. Of course, we know from Scripture that they still didn't understand, and it took several visits from their risen Lord to shake them out of their disbelief. Once they understood the truth of His words, they became changed people, and the world has never been the same.

So how do we follow Him today? The same way the disciples did long ago. They heard the words of Jesus and believed them. They took His words and obeyed them. They confessed their sins to Jesus as their Lord and God. They believed that He died to take the punishment of their sins and rose from the dead to give them new life. They followed His example and command to tell others the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment. When we follow Him in “the way,” we can be assured of following Him all the way to Heaven.

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#1. To: All (#0)

Now if Jesus (and he did of course) said he is the "only" way. Then every christian that isn't ignorant would/should know that that, it's Christianity 101. If someone thinks that they are a christian and believes that Jesus is not the only way. Then are they really Christians? For two reasons I would ask this question. First it is against the teaching of the Bible. Isn't the Bible what defines what a christian is? Secondly that would make Jesus a liar and therefore not sin free. So if Jesus was not sin free and a liar then he wouldn't be Gods son now would he? So anyone who says that they don't hate Christians or they don't want to vomit on Christians. That they only hate or only want to vomit on fanatics who say that jesus is the only way. Wouldn't that make them liars and really haters of all real Christians. And accepting of people who just claim to be christian but really aren't.

Didn't someone call Nazis Christians?

A K A Stone  posted on  2014-10-13   16:07:56 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#15. To: A K A Stone, redleghunter (#1)

Now if Jesus (and he did of course) said he is the "only" way. Then every christian that isn't ignorant would/should know that that, it's Christianity 101.

If someone thinks that they are a christian and believes that Jesus is not the only way. Then are they really Christians?

That opinion from a "Christian" would make Jesus Christ a liar, wouldn't it?

Beyond that, whereever a disbeliever winds up after THIS mortal life will be totally dependent on a merciful God and His Judgment.

So anyone who says...they only hate or only want to vomit on fanatics...Wouldn't that make them liars and really haters of all real Christians.

Yes. But giving the benefit of doubt, perhaps that vomiter merely had a moment of extreme hatred and nauseousness that caused that person to compare ALL Christians to ALL Muslims, blame ALL Christians for being "fanatical," and scapegoat them for the actions of "Christians-In-Name-Only."

Liberator  posted on  2014-10-14   10:20:23 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#19. To: Liberator (#15)

Yes. But giving the benefit of doubt, perhaps that vomiter merely had a moment of extreme hatred and nauseousness that caused that person to compare ALL Christians to ALL Muslims, blame ALL Christians for being "fanatical," and scapegoat them for the actions of "Christians-In-Name-Only."

I'll ask you the questions I posed earlier on this thread:

Supposing someone's great-grandfather had purchased property in 1914, and then neglected to make the payments, thus voiding the contract and leading to the property being foreclosed upon within the same year. Supposing the property at the time of that contract had sold for ten-thousand dollars. Would the great-grandson of the man who failed to uphold his end of the bargain, would he be able to show up a hundred years later, pay ten-thousand dollars (no matter what value the property had since appreciated to) and own the property?

Is not a covenant roughly the same thing as a contract? Are not covenants and contracts things that are mutually agreed upon by both parties? Does one party to the contract have the right to revise the terms of the contract in their favor, excusing their failure to perform as agreed to in the contract, and the wronged party has no legal recourse but to accept the unilateral revising of the contract?

What if the wronged party of the contract was the God of the party that had wronged them? Would that mortal have the right to dictate revised terms to their God?

nativist nationalist  posted on  2014-10-14   22:40:42 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#20. To: nativist nationalist (#19)

What if the wronged party of the contract was the God of the party that had wronged them? Would that mortal have the right to dictate revised terms to their God?

God's creations do not judge their Maker. Nor are His terms negotiable. His justice is perfect.

That said...Question: On Judgement Day, might God show mercy? Perhaps. But it is a scary and unnecessary roll of the dice, isn't it?

Liberator  posted on  2014-10-14   22:56:12 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#23. To: Liberator (#20)

God's creations do not judge their Maker. Nor are His terms negotiable.

That would seem to be logical. The reason I pose the question is due to the contract the Israelite s had with their God, now as I understand it this covenant was like a marriage, where both husband and wife pledge fidelity to each other? IF an unfaithful wife leaves her husband, takes up with another man and becomes a whore, has she has violated her marriage vows? Was Israel faithful to the covenant with their God?

nativist nationalist  posted on  2014-10-14   23:22:36 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#26. To: nativist nationalist (#23)

Was Israel faithful to the covenant with their God?

Faithful? Some. In general, not really.

Is Israel's rejection of a Savior that was prophesied as an addendum to the original covenant considered part of their "contract"?

Liberator  posted on  2014-10-14   23:37:54 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#28. To: Liberator (#26)

Is Israel's rejection of a Savior that was prophesied as an addendum to the original covenant considered part of their "contract"?

I'm thinking back to when they turned their backs on God, in favor of foreign Gods such as Baal and Molech. Hosea made use of this type of analogy, marriage to a whore to illustrate the point. From my understanding, Israel had a contract with God, at several points got it renegotiated, such as having kings rather than judges to rule over them. And after this they violated the contract, thus voiding it?

nativist nationalist  posted on  2014-10-14   23:45:55 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#29. To: nativist nationalist (#28)

'm thinking back to when they turned their backs on God, in favor of foreign Gods such as Baal and Molech. Hosea made use of this type of analogy, marriage to a whore to illustrate the point. From my understanding, Israel had a contract with God, at several points got it renegotiated, such as having kings rather than judges to rule over them. And after this they violated the contract, thus voiding it?

Romans 11 King James Version (KJV)

11 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.

20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

A K A Stone  posted on  2014-10-14   23:59:20 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#31. To: A K A Stone (#29)

28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.

Hosea 1:7 says:

Yet I will show love to Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the Lord their God, will save them.”

There seems to be continuity here as I read it. In the scripture provision does seem to be made for the bloodline of Jacob, but it will be on the terms dictated by God. It will not have been earned, since they violated the original covenant, but he will grant it to them. How exactly it will happen would hard to predict.

The religion of Judaism today seems to be an attempt to renew the original contract, which was voided by infidelity on their long part before Christ was born. That seems like hubris to me, trying to assume all the rights and privileges from a contract that was not honored long ago. That just does not seem like a way to deal with God, like dictating to him. It reminds of Shakespeare's line:

“Upon what meat doth this, our Caesar, feed, That he is grown so great?"

I would not describe myself as a religious man, but I do think of my self as being a God fearing man (not a negative connotation to me). In Goldi's rant she claimed that Christian were worshiping a human being, which I would like to explore as we go along.

It seemed as I learned it that the original sin was wanting to be a God. It would seem to me at least that trying to force God to honor a contract that my side had voided long ago would be like elevating myself in relation to God. That would be ground upon which I would fear to tread. But that seems to be the ground from which Goldi stands as she mocked Jesus.

nativist nationalist  posted on  2014-10-15   0:27:52 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#35. To: nativist nationalist (#31)

I understand your humble approach. However we see in the Psalms and some Prophets Hebrews contending with Him to keep His promises. They like us know from Genesis YHWH sealed the covenant with Abraham with His own oath.

Plus we see in Isaiah 1:

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

redleghunter  posted on  2014-10-15   12:34:09 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


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