5/6 The way, truth and Life

The Only Way: Finding Life and Truth in Jesus

Good morning, church!

Have you ever found yourself standing at a crossroads in life, unsure which way to turn or who you can trust to guide you?”

I want to start today with a memory from when I was a in high school freshman. I stepped onto that big school with excitement—but also a strong sense of being lost.

No real roadmap, just the hope that eventually I’d figure it out.

I bet every one of us can relate to that lost feeling at some point in life—maybe even in faith.

These days, the world feels more confusing than ever.

We have endless choices, opinions, and voices telling us which way to go, what to believe, and how to live.

“Find your truth!”

“Make your own path!”

“Follow your heart!”

And amidst that noise, Jesus speaks a clear, reassuring word:

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

Let’s journey through what Jesus means here, and why it changes everything.

1- Jesus Is the Only Way—Our Guide in a Confused World

The Greek word used here is “hodos” (ὁδός), which means “road,” “route,” “way.”

Jesus is not one alternative among others—He is the only legitimate route to God.

Jesus says, “I am the way.”

Not, “I’ll point you to the way,” or “Here’s a better route,” but “I am the way.”

In ancient times, a “way” wasn’t just a direction, but a path you lived, a journey with someone you trusted.

Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 NIV

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

This verse underscores the exclusivity of Jesus as the only way to God.

Abraham, way back in Genesis, left home without a GPS

just total faith that God would guide him step by step.

He risked the unknown because he trusted the One leading him.

Let’s bring it to today. Imagine moving to a new city for a job.

You turn on your navigation app, but every route looks backed up by traffic, and your phone loses signal—total panic!

Or maybe you graduate and everyone says, “Just follow your passion!”—but no one tells you what that actually is.

The pressure or even anxiety to “make the right choice” can be overwhelming.

It’s like trying to put together a puzzle without ever having seen the picture on the box.

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad…and many choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

Matthew 7:13–14 NIV

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Jesus describes the way as both narrow and challenging, yet leading to life.

Billy Graham used to say, “Christ is the road upon which we travel—there is no detour, no alternate.”

No shortcut, no hack—just the faithful following of the One who knows the journey better than anyone.

Think about the many voices on social media, influencers promising, “This is the way to wealth, success, happiness!”

But how often do they change their message when something new trends?

In all that, Jesus offers one clear, trustworthy invitation: walk with Me.

Matthew Henry reminds us, “Christ is not only the way, but the end; not only the guide, but the goal.”

Jesus is the path, but also the destination.

So as you face decisions about school, jobs, relationships—

are you following trends, feelings, or just winging it…or are you asking Jesus for direction?

Sometimes God’s way isn’t the easiest; it might even be countercultural or scary. But it’s always the right journey because He’s walking it with us.

“When the world hands you nothing but crossroads and confusion, remember this: Jesus isn’t just a signpost—He is the road that walks with you. If you want to find your way, follow the One who made it.”

2- Jesus Is the Truth—Our Anchor in a Shifting Culture

Next, Jesus says, “I am the truth.”

The Greek word “alētheia” (ἀλήθεια) means not just “factual truth” but “ultimate reality,” “that which is authentic.”

Jesus does not just speak the truth—He is truth incarnate.

Let’s be real: today, truth can feel slippery and subjective.

There’s “your truth” and “my truth.”

We live in a world where what’s considered true seems to change with every news cycle—just look at the internet, memes, “fact-checking,” and arguments on social media.

It gets personal, too.

Maybe you’ve had a situation at work or school where you’re pressured to twist the facts—a group project where people want to take credit for things they didn’t do, or maybe a workplace where it feels easier to go with the flow than to stand up for what’s honest.

John 1:14 – “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness (truth).”

Jesus’ nature is truth itself—the embodiment of God’s reality.

A few years ago, a friend of mine wrestled with a tough decision. His boss asked him to fudge some numbers—not a huge lie, but enough to make him uncomfortable.

Everyone said, “It’s not a big deal! Everybody does it.” But he decided to tell the truth, even though it cost him a promotion that year. Hard?

Absolutely. But he slept well at night.

Psalm 119:160 – “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.”

God’s words stand eternally, unchanged by shifting times.

Daniel in the Old Testament chose God’s truth over the culture of Babylon. He refused to compromise, even at risk of his life.

And, as John wrote, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus, the person, is the anchor—in a world that’s tossing us from one thing to the next, He holds us steady.

C.S. Lewis said, “If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end…”—but if you settle for easy comfort, you’ll lose both comfort and truth.

One more example:

think about how advertising constantly redefines beauty, worth, and happiness. If our identity or value comes from shifting messages, we’ll feel anxious and disappointed.

But Jesus’ truth sets us free—free to know who we are, and to rest in something solid.

Matthew Henry tells us, “By Jesus Christ, the true knowledge of God and eternal life are attainable.”

Warren Wiersbe reminds us, “Truth is not found in a declaration but in a Person.”

“In a time when truth is as changeable as the latest trend, cling to this unshakable reality: Jesus doesn’t just speak the truth—He stands as the truth even when everyone else is whispering lies.”

Where do you find truth?

This week, when you’re unsure or pressured to bend your values, return to Jesus—let His words and life be your standard, not what’s popular or easy.

3- Jesus Is the Life—Our Source of Lasting Fulfillment

Finally, Jesus says, “I am the life.” Not just existence, but real, abundant, zoe life—the kind that fills you with purpose and joy.

The Greek word “zōē” (ζωή) is used for spiritual, eternal, and full life, in contrast to “bios” (biological life). Jesus is more than existence—He is the essence of life with God.

The prodigal son thought life was found in living large, away from the father—but it left him empty and desperate. Coming home, he found not just survival, but the embrace of love and restoration.

John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Jesus opposes the counterfeit, offering abundant life instead of empty survival.

Let’s look at today. There are so many ways people chase “life”—the right college, the perfect relationship, a dream job, followers on Instagram. Here’s a personal example.

A young professional I know chased job after job, city after city, always thinking, “If I just get the next thing, then I’ll be happy.” He ended up burned out and exhausted—until he started building his identity and rhythms on his relationship with Christ, not his achievements. He found real peace, even when circumstances weren’t perfect.

Craig Groeschel says, “Jesus doesn’t just make life better; He makes you alive.”

It’s like a phone with 10% battery, on endless low-power mode—plugged into Jesus, you finally have all-day, full-power purpose.

Galatians 2:20 – “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

Paul describes the reality of true life in Christ.

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Jesus meets the deepest needs of our hearts, giving us true and abundant life.” That’s not just pie-in-the-sky; it’s every day—meaning at work, in school, at home.

Matthew Henry says, “Jesus is the principle of spiritual life and the giver of all life.” He’s both the spark and the fuel.

“Don’t let the world sell you a version of life that leaves you empty

real, lasting life starts when you plug your heart into Jesus.

He’s not here to improve your old life—He’s here to give you a brand new one.”

So don’t settle for going through the motions or chasing hollow “wins.”

Make time to be with God—pray, serve, worship, love others—your soul will come alive in ways you never expected.

Let’s tie it together. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Not just an option, not just advice—He’s the entire answer. He wants to walk with you, anchor you, and make you truly alive.

Maybe you’re searching for something today—direction, certainty, or fulfillment. Hear Jesus’ invitation: “Come, follow Me.” Let’s pray together:

appel:

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, now is the time. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Just as the wise virgins were prepared to meet the bridegroom, you too can be prepared to meet Jesus.

Let’s pray together:

“Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner and I need You. I believe that You died on the cross for me and rose again to give me eternal life. I now receive You as my Savior and Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live a life of faith and obedience. In Your name, I pray. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer sincerely, know that God heard your heart and you are now part of God’s family. May this celebration of love also be a celebration of new life in Christ.

Prayer for reconciliation

“Lord Jesus, so often I chase my own path, my own truth, my own idea of life. Today I surrender to your Way, your Truth, your Life. Lead me, and help me rest in your faithfulness—no matter what the world says. Amen.”

Here’s your challenge for this week:

Begin every day with a simple prayer for direction: “Jesus, lead me.”

When weighing decisions, pause—ask, “What truth is Jesus showing me here?”

Find community—talk honestly with people who will help you grow in faith.

Serve one person in your life this week in a way that reflects Jesus’ love.

And invite someone else to explore Jesus with you—share your story, point them to His way.

In Jesus, you’ll never be lost, unanchored, or empty. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—yesterday, today, and forever.

TIO – Talk It Over: “The Only Way: Finding Life and Truth in Jesus”

Quick Summary of the Sermon

This week’s sermon invited us to reflect on Jesus’ bold declaration: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In today’s world—full of confusing choices, shifting truths, and pursuits for meaning—Jesus alone offers real direction, unchanging truth, and everlasting life. We explored how following Jesus isn’t about simply finding better advice, but about letting Him lead us, anchor us, and bring us alive in ways nothing else can.

Key Verses

Main verse: John 14:6 —“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (NLT)

Other references: Proverbs 3:5-6, John 8:32, John 10:10, Luke 15, Daniel 1 & 6, Genesis 12

Level 1: Start Talking — Spark Conversation

Would you rather have directions or a guide for a journey you’ve never taken? Why?

When you hear the word “truth,” what comes to mind first—facts, feelings, or something else?

Share one simple thing that makes you feel truly “alive” during the week—big or small.

Level 2: Start Thinking — Deepen the Thought

What do you think Jesus meant by calling Himself “the way, the truth, and the life”? How is that different from how people find direction today?

In what ways have you seen “truth” become more relative (subjective) in our culture? How does that make you feel?

Why do you think people search for fulfillment in things other than Jesus, even when those things leave them empty?

Level 3: Start Sharing — Open Hearts, Share Stories

Can you share a time when you felt lost—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? What helped you find your way again?

Has standing up for truth or honesty ever cost you something? Tell your story.

When have you experienced the kind of “life” that Jesus talks about—not just surviving, but really thriving?

Level 4: Start Doing — Commit to Act

This week, take five minutes each morning to pray, “Jesus, lead me today.” Write down anything you sense Him saying to you.

Try reading one of the key passages (like John 14 or John 10) and jot down how Jesus describes life. Share your thoughts with a friend.

Serve someone practically this week—a classmate, co-worker, or neighbor—in a way that reflects Jesus’ life and love. Next time you meet, share your experience.

Consider reading “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis or watching a short message from Billy Graham or Craig Groeschel online about Jesus’ unique claims.

Remember:

Faith is most alive when it’s lived out in real conversations, honest reflection, and practical steps. Jesus is not just the answer to our questions—He’s the guide who walks with us every step of the way.