Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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

I am the way and the truth and the life is one of the seven “I’AM” statements of Jesus. On the last night before His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the days ahead. They had placed their hope in Him as the Messiah, the promised Deliverer, yet they still did not understand how He was going to accomplish this mission. Our Lord takes the opportunity of this discourse about the place He was going to, and the way unto it, more fully to instruct His disciples concerning Himself, saying, “I am the way.” Christ is not merely the way, but He is the way of salvation itself by His obedience and sacrifice on the cross. In Psalm 86:11, “way” and “truth” occur in parallelism: “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth.” The notions of way, truth and life are combined: "You have made known to me the path of life (16:11).” Jesus is the way in as much as He is the truth and the life. Truth and life correspond to Jesus’ role in John’s Gospel as revealer and life-giver. There is a difference between telling someone about the truth and living the truth. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6).

There are two different ways that we can travel on our journey of faith. Both ways go opposite of each other. Our Creator has purposely given us the freedom to choose which path to take. One is narrow and the other is wide. One is very difficult to travel but will lead you to eternity. The other is an attractive ‘broad way’ and leads to eternal condemnation. The Bible teaches us that “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 (Matt. 7:13-14). The road in which we are traveling today will ultimately determine our final destination.

Many in Jesus’ time, including His beloved disciples, did not know the true way to eternity. The disciple Thomas said to Him, “Lord we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way (John 14:5)?” In our journey of faith, we often have to walk down unfamiliar paths - paths that may feel confused, treacherous and threatening. Does our path today seem unfamiliar? If so, ask the One who knows and is the sure way that leads to life. It was the question of a doubting man which provoked one of the greatest things Jesus ever said. No one has to be ashamed of his doubts; for it is amazingly and blessedly true that he who seeks will in the end find (Matt. 7:7). So let the witnessing community march on the path of love, holding on the flag of service.

                               PRAYER

Loving Father, forgive us for choosing our own way in our life journey. Please show us the right path and lead us through it until we reach the other shore. Amen.

                   THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"Experience has taught me that the Shepherd is far more willing to show his sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. He is endlessly merciful, patient, tender, and loving."- Elisabeth Elliot

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