Celebrities may have their brief moment of glory but everyone eventually reduced to dust and ashes. No-one made greater claims for himself than Jesus Christ. Though constantly challenged over the past two thousand years, millions have found the claims to be true, where it matters - in their personal life and daily experience.

In this series we examine these claims. Each of the 8 claims is found in John’s Gospel.
6: I am the Way (John 14:1-14)

A lesson learned

It was such a relief when our grandson eventually decided what he wanted to do with his life. With school and exams – not to mention his 18th Birthday behind him - it was time to face the world. But to do what? Then the penny dropped. A light shone! Eventually, a life-changing opportunity presented itself, and an interview was arranged in the county town some 30 miles away.

The journey was fairly straightforward, but it was essential that he pick up the A28. Some 2 hours after the interview should have taken place his mum received a call to explain that he was hopelessly lost – and was still 20 miles adrift from his destination. The explanation was simple. He had taken the A20 route instead of the A28 – and it made a world of difference! Only one digit (an 0 instead of an 8) but he missed his destination by a mile – well 20 actually! The lesson was a tough one, and not likely to be quickly forgotten – that not all roads lead to the destination we hope for, and only the right route will take us to the right destination! This is a lesson worth remembering in another, even more important, aspect of life.

False claims

It’s just like that with our search for a personal, rock-solid, certainty that our ultimate destination is heaven, not hell. The world is crowded with religions offering insights and conditions on which we may hope to reach an eternal paradise of one sort or another.

Only one Way

A time to trust

For three years they had travelled with him, sat at his feet and were taught by him, they were eye-witnesses to the most amazing miracles – even the raising of the dead. Faith was always at the heart of such amazing things. Now it was time for the disciples to put their faith into practice. At the least expected moment Jesus dropped a bombshell – they could hardly believe their ears. He told them that he was going to leave them - and they weren’t able to follow him where he was going! The news left them anxious and troubled – just like waves thrashing around in a fierce storm. Jesus said to them, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.’

The Way ahead

For Jesus, the path ahead led to death on the cross, and only he could travel that road. But by his death he would open a door that had been closed since sin became a reality in human experience. This door led into God’s holy presence and glorious, eternal home. Later, he promised, he would return and take his disciples to be with him for ever.

No one else could ever make such a claim. Only Jesus lived the innocent life, acceptable to a holy God. Only Jesus could offer such a sacrifice, acceptable to a righteous God. As the Way to God, we can trust Jesus to bring us into God’s presence. As the Truth of God, we can believe Jesus and trust his promises alone. As the Life of God, Jesus is able to give eternal life to all who believe in him. The one and only door into God’s presence is wide open, inviting, welcoming, to all who put their faith in Jesus.