“I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life” Is A Promise, Not A Threat!

If you have ever witnessed a debate between Christians and members of other religious faiths you will inevitably see the verse John 14:6 strategically deployed by the Christian side.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. “

This trump card has been played for centuries to bolster our Christian sense of security; that we’re right and everyone else is wrong.

And when the verse is deployed it comes with the not too veiled threat;

“You are on the “wrong way” and you have a small window of opportunity to come on to the “right way”, or else you will be judged and condemned.

Thankfully though Jesus never resorted to threats, he delivered promises!

So what if we approached the verse

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. “

as a promise?

That people who seek him are promised they will find him. (Matt 7:7)

Love One Another

When Jesus reveals his “I am the Way” statement it was to put his disciples hearts at ease (John 14:1), not to reveal a new litmus test for the after life.  He was telling them things they could not understand.  That he was leaving them for a time but not to worry, he would be back.  In the mean while he gives them a new commandment.  One that would singularly identify them and anyone who followed after them as one of his disciples.

Interestingly enough this marker of a follower of Christ had nothing to do with

* a verbal affirmation

* an alter call

* spiritual devotion

* accepting a particular tribal or religious identification

No, it was one thing which seems both incredibly simple, and difficult, at the same time.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34

What if we stopped identifying someone as a disciple of Christ simply because they say they are, or were baptised, or attend church regularly?

What if the litmus test changed to something Jesus said would mark a follower of him?

That someone would be seen as following in the Way of Jesus by the demonstration of the love they had for others.

That a follower of Christ:

* preferred others before themselves

* saw the inherent value in people 

* always put the best spin in relating to people around them

Essentially became what the word Christian actually means; Little Christ

It’s safe to say it would radically alter who would be perceived to be a disciple of Jesus!

It’s interesting to note that in Matthew 25 when Jesus is sharing the story of the Sheep and the Goats, the sheep who are affirmed by Jesus as doing his will had no idea that the love they were extending to others was in fact being received by Jesus himself.

There are many people who through the lottery of birth, religion, culture, and nationality have certain obstacles to knowing and receiving Jesus in the way that many of us Christians have had the opportunity to.

But if they are following his commandment of loving one another, what makes them any less his disciple?

Does that mean there are many ways to God Steve?

No, there is only one Way.

But that Way, that Truth, and that Life that Jesus shares is a promise, not a threat.  And those that are of the Way are:

• ….the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
• ….those who mourn: for they will be comforted.
• ….the meek: for they will inherit the earth.
• ….those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled.
• ….the merciful: for they will be shown mercy.
• ….the pure in heart: for they will see God.
• ….the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God.
• ….those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

So lets be all a little more humble as we share Jesus in a diverse world.

Peace,

Steve