John

We’re having a great time studying the Gospel of John in our Sunday School Class over the last couple of months. Our teacher Lynn stated, ”If I were stranded on a deserted island and afforded only one book, I’d choose the book of John.” Me too. John’s gospel holds a beloved place in the hearts of believers around the world declaring the exclusive message that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Only through Jesus can people come to know God as He is and receive His gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

Today we unearthed gems as we delved into John 14 and planned to cover the whole chapter but only made it through verse 6 “Jesus told him (Thomas), I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Gleaning a wonderful foundation, verse 6 seems to be the most astounding and controversial. Jesus answered Thomas’ concern about where He was going and subsequently ‘the way’ the disciples (and everyone else) come to the Father through Him.

John’s gospel keeps pointing forward to the glorious hope of the hereafter. His purpose for writing is that readers believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing in Him they have eternal life through His name.

What magnificent truth: Jesus is the way, not a way. Those who accuse Christ-followers of preaching an exclusive gospel are right! However, the gospel isn’t exclusive because we say so; rather it’s exclusive because Jesus said He is the only way.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). It if were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3 Amp).