Jesus is the only way

Introduction

Who is Jesus Christ?

If you asked every person in Matlock- a good person, or good teacher.

C.S Lewis- Liar, Lunatic, Lord. He made claims that exclude him from being merely a good teacher. Our verse this morning records one of those claims for us.

Give context

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.”

What did Jesus mean by this? What does this mean for us?

I. Jesus is the way. v.6a

The Way-

The way to the Father. The way to eternal life.

Notice Jesus does not say one way among many, but the way. Why is this true? Explain the gospel.

A picture of the Cherubim who guarded the way to the tree of life- a picture of eternal life. Jesus gives access to the tree of life- he opens up the way.

The Truth-

He is not merely saying he is telling the truth. But he is the truth.

In a world of different ideas and religions Jesus says he is the truth. He truly reveals God.

The Life-

This is a clear claim to deity. Jesus is the one who is the source of life- 1 John; He is eternal life. He is God and as God he communicates life to all that lives, but he also gives eternal life to all who believe.

Eternal life and Jesus Christ are so inseparable that Jesus is the life. With out him there is no life. Those who offer this apart from Jesus Christ are lying.

This is who Jesus Christ claims to be.

Application-

Here Jesus claims to be the way to heaven, the one who can give eternal life.

You might be wondering why this is relevant to you? 3 reasons

Your sin 2. Death is certain 3. If not heaven then hell

Jesus is saying if you believe in him you will be saved.

This is very good news. Simply trust in Jesus Christ. He has done all that needs to be done.

II. There is no other way v.6b

Jesus has made it very clear that he is the only and exclusive way to the Father.

But just to remove all doubt Jesus finishes this statement by saying.

-No one comes to the Father except through me. Through- as through a door.

Here Jesus is saying there is one door into heaven, one gate into the Father’s presence and I am it.

With out Jesus you cannot know God, you are seperated from God.

Why? Sin separates, only Jesus takes away sin.

Here Jesus is referring to who he is and what he was about to do- explain

He is the only Saviour. He is the one who has accomplished salvation for those who believe.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

The way we come to the Father through Jesus Christ is through repentance and faith.

Application

Have you come to the Father through Jesus Christ?

Conclusion-

Liar, lunatic, Lord. Jesus made claims that exclude him from simply being a good teacher.

A question you might be pondering is how can we know if this is true? After all anyone can claim anything...

Proof of the resurrection. Offer booklets.