Photo by Wesley Tingey
By Mike Chaffin
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
Conversations about tough, or important, issues can sometimes be hard to start. Your audience may be the problem. They may be contentious, obstinate, close minded, or skeptical of what you have to say. Perhaps the hardest audience may be those closest to you.
The 3rd most referenced verse fits that mold today just as it did when Jesus first spoke these words. Today when people repeat what Jesus said they are oftentimes questioned, mocked, or rejected. In fact, if you read this statement to the general population in America only 60% would agree that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one can come to the Father except through Him.
While this response isn’t all that surprising, when that question came down to responses from evangelical Christians only 87% agreed with Jesus. The stark reality is 13% of confessing evangelical Christians are either ignorant, false teachers, or aren’t Christian at all.
Jesus spoke these words, not to unbelievers, but to his inner core of disciples while in the upper room at the last supper. His reply was to none other than doubting Thomas, who later said he wouldn’t believe Jesus rose from the dead unless he could touch his scars. Jesus tells Thomas, and the others, He is the only way to heaven. Then must explain himself when Phillip asks for more evidence.
But all was not lost, and still isn’t. Thomas and Phillip repented of their doubts, believed and received the Holy Spirit, and went on to be great evangelists for Jesus. Just like Jesus we must be patient, loving, and consistent in our presentation to anyone, be they stranger, friend, or family. When they see Jesus in you, doubts may melt, and their hearts will accept the truth and the need for Jesus in their lives.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for times of doubt. You are the only way to Heaven and to God the Father. Help me to spread this good news to everyone I can so they may also accept you as Savior and allowed into Heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.
* There is a website that conducted a search for Bible verses. They compiled a list of the verses in order of the magnitude of hits they got in their search. Some of these verses qualify as ‘people’s favorites’, while others might be on the list because they are some of the most important and most teachable words of God.
