Category: I am the way the truth and the life

John 14:12 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

“Faith in Christ is not merely a passive act, it is also active; it is to become a participant in the power and mission of God and in some way to share in the ministry of God through Christ.” [E. Klink III, John (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)]

Following in the way-truth-life of Jesus is an adventure. It will lead us into a life that participates in the spectacular works of Jesus. In a sense, his amazing life becomes the starting template for all who follow him. How incredible is that! The miracles of Jesus continue through us as we follow him as the way, the truth, and the life.

Let’s pray: Father, we thank you for calling us into a life unlike any other. Give us the faith to step into the works of Jesus. Continue them through us in our day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s worship to “In Over My Head” by Bethel Music.

-ES

John 14:25-26 (NIV) 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’

“The entire Christian life can rightly be described as life in the Spirit. To live in the Spirit is neither to neglect the Father nor to eclipse Christ but to serve, respond to, and participate in them both by means of this divine appropriation.” [E. Klink III, John (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)]

Following in the way-truth-life of Jesus is not about following rules. It is about following the Holy Spirit who guides and empowers us in the way-truth-life of Jesus. When we learn to walk with and in the Holy Spirit, we will find ourselves exactly where Jesus wants us to be.

Let’s pray: Father, teach us how to walk in step with your Spirit today. Help us to regularly hear and respond to the leading of your Spirit in all matters until it becomes seamless in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s worship to “Another In the Fire” by Hillsong UNITED.

-ES

Mark 2:14 (NIV) As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

“Jesus is everything! As the way-truth-life, Jesus is the mode-reality-source of all things for all people. Jesus is the totality of what God has done, is doing, and will do; there is nothing of value in existence that does not come from or move toward Jesus Christ. This is the blessing, the promise of hope for those who believe in Jesus.” [E. Klink III, John (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)]

As followers of Jesus, we are blessed beyond measure. To have Jesus is to have everything. A life without him would be a life in the constant search of meaning and value. But Jesus, the way-truth-life called to us, and we abandoned our tax collector’s booth and its false promises to follow him. Let’s thank and embrace our Lord Jesus once again!

Let’s pray: Father, we know Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We have more than enough because we have Jesus. We thank you for the abundance of life found in him. We live in this hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s worship to “Is He Worthy” by Andrew Peterson.

-ES

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV) 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Stephen Baldwin, major movie actor:
“I noticed you singing, and I was curious. Why is every song about Jesus? Perhaps there’s another tune in your repertoire?”
Augusta, cleaning lady:
“Understand the reason that I’m laughing is that you think the only reason why I’m here is to clean your house.”
[Stephen Baldwin, Testimony Video (I Am Second)]

Why are we in the current life situation we are in? No matter what the situation, God is working, and God has a plan. We just have to hear him in that season and circumstance. Augusta had only one theme in her repertoire, Jesus. When we have too many themes besides Jesus in our repertoire, we may think we’re just supposed to clean a house. But when Jesus is the one theme that dominates all others, we know how we are supposed to live.

Let’s pray: Father, we confess that our minds are conflicted with too many thoughts and that our hearts are conflicted with too many desires. But only one thing is needed: being with Jesus. Help us to be in his presence, moment to moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s worship to “The Same Jesus” by Matt Redman.

-ES

John 14:5 (NIV) Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

“[Thomas] is filled with doubts and questions throughout John (11:16; 20:24–25), but in his doubts he always speaks for the others. He does the right thing in bringing his doubts to Jesus (a lesson for us all). They are as before thinking on the earthly plane and unaware of the heavenly realities.” [G. Osborne, John Verse by Verse (Kindle)]

What do we do when we have times of uncertainty and a troubled heart? We may want to buckle down and solve it ourselves. We may want to listen to popular wisdom. We may even want to ignore the situation all together. Thomas shows us a better way… going to Jesus. Jesus can help us navigate every matter of life, from parenting questions, to life decisions, to ministry questions. He is the way, the truth, and the life. If we know how to go to Jesus, then we will know how to go in life. Let’s turn to him in prayer.

Let’s pray: Jesus, we come to you with our questions and uncertainties right now. We know you do not leave us in confusion, but you are the way, the truth, and the life for us. Speak to us through your Holy Spirit, for we look to you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s worship to “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” by Upper Room.

-ES