I Am: Way, Truth, Life

Introduction

Context is Jesus’ words of comfort to the disciples prior to his death and burial. Jesus has just reaffirmed that he is—in fact—about to die, leaving them “alone”. His words are meant to encourage them once they understand what has happened.

Way

First, Jesus answered Thomas’ where question with a who answer. Jesus said they knew the way—He is the way.

There are over 4,200 recognized religions in the world today.

*https://www.learnreligions.com/how-many-religions-are-there-in-the-world-5114658

According to a Pew Research Study, religious groups are as follows:

*6.9 billion world pop (2010)

Christian — 31.5% (2.2 bill) ------- most evenly dispersed!

Muslim — 23.2% (1.6 bill)

Unaffiliated — 16.3%

Hindu — 15% (1 bill)

Buddhist — 7.1% (500 mill)

Folk religionist — 5.9% (400 mill)

Others - .8% (58 mill)

Jewish — .2% (14 mill)

*https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-exec/

Truth

In our world truth has become relative. In other words, it’s truth if I believe that it’s truth. We see this in politics, in sexuality and gender discussions—we see it everywhere. The glaring problem is that truth is not relevant. Opinions are relevant; truth is not.

Opinions

— Crunchy or creamy pb?

— Pecan: Puh-con or pee-can?

— Chili: beans or no beans?

— Socks with sandals?

Truth

— Gravity

— We all will die

Our current society seems to have blended the two so that opinions become fact.

Jesus is the truth.

What he said is true

What he did is true

Life

He does not give life. He gives himself, and since he is life, we have life.