The Way, The Truth, The Life

GETTING STARTED

John recorded three crises in the ministry of Jesus: first, many disciples no longer walked with him although he was “the way” (John 6:66); second, people would not believe in him even though he was “the truth” (John 12:37); and third, the leaders would crucify him even though he was “the life” (John 14:6).

In light of these crises, Jesus revealed present truths and future promises that should have been encouraging news to his closest friends. Yet, in their grief, they would not be comforted.

  • When have you been so caught up in grieving that you missed the truth and promises of Jesus?

READ THE WORD: JOHN 14:1-7 (ESV)

14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Why were the disciples’ hearts troubled?
  2. What were Jesus’ responses to some of their concerns?
  3. What definitive truth did Jesus convey about himself in verse 6? How is Jesus “the way, the truth, and the life”?
  4. How do you know that you will spend eternity with Jesus when he returns?

RESPOND TO GOD

The disciples spent three intimate years with Jesus, and then he forewarned them of his impending departure. They were sorrowful and concerned, but Jesus assured them that his departure from them would be purposeful and temporary. Jesus assures us of these same things. He ascended to the throne at the right hand of God the Father in order to prepare an eternal dwelling for us. Soon he will return to take us home to be with him; we can call heaven home if we believe he is the true Son of God who died on the cross and was resurrected from the dead to give us life.

  • Pray to accept God’s son, Jesus, if you desire to spend eternity with God.
  • If you believe and follow Jesus, thank him for preparing a place in eternity for you as you look forward to his return.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 1:287.