“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6, NIV84)
Just prior to speaking these words to His disciples, Jesus was talking with them about going back to the Father in heaven where there would be places prepared for them when they got there. He told them that they should be at peace knowing this fact, and that they already knew the way there. To this, Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” The verse above is an answer to Thomas’ statement and question. What an amazing answer Jesus gave to Thomas. The way to Heaven is not contained in mysterious thought and ideology. It is not discovered in ascetic living and religious rituals. The way to Heaven is found in one person, Jesus. So, how many ways to Heaven are there? The world would have us believe there are many, but Jesus declared that there is only one way, and that way is through Him. Why such a singular path to Heaven?
First, because the solution to the human dilemma (sin and death) comes from God and not ourselves. If the solution comes from Him, then it makes sense that He would provide a singular path. By choosing a singular path, God reduces confusion that is bound to exist once mankind gets involved. So, God the Father sent His Son as the Way to Heaven. But God’s Son is more than that — He is also the way to live out our lives as His followers. He is our Good Shepherd, and we are called to follow Him as He leads us on the Way. Jesus is not A way, as though there are many, but He is THE way to the Father.
Second, truth requires that the path be singular. There can only be one truth when it comes to mankind’s salvation because God is the provider of the way. God is true, and He provides us His truth in His Word. This is why Jesus said repeatedly, “I tell you the truth.” Truth allows us to distinguish right from wrong. If we know what is true, then, and only then, do we know what is false. Jesus is our truth, so we can be certain of what is false around us. If the way to Heaven is singular, then we want to make sure we know what is truth and what isn’t. If there were many ways to deal with our dilemma (sin and death), then there would have been no need for Jesus to come. But He did come! He came that we might know the one and only true way.
Third, as stated above, our dilemma requires a singular path. There is only one solution to death and damnation. If the ultimate result is the ability to shed ourselves of sin and its effect and to have the certainty of an abundant and eternal life with God, then there is only one place for us to turn to get it. We must turn to God. Mankind has tried ever since the Fall to create a way back to God and has failed. Only God could provide us the answer, and He did. He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be our substitute. He died on the cross to bear our sins and their punishment. He alone could pay that infinite price, and He did. He alone had the power to defeat death itself. Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning as proof that He was and is the way, the truth, and the life. No other religious leader can claim to have defeated death, only Jesus.
This is why there is only one way to Heaven. It is clear! It is concise! God has provided the way, the truth, and the life: Jesus. The disciple Thomas came to understand and believe. Even the Thomas typing this devotion did, too.
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church