One Way or Many?
Tim Keller | December 14, 1997
Overview
Jesus Christ was a teacher who walked around and told people to love each other. He was kind to the poor. He laid his hands on the sick. He fed the hungry. He did all these things. But there have been lots of people who have done good things like this and that have told us, “Let’s just love each other.” So why did this one teacher become the most influential single figure in the history of the world?
It’s not because of the uncontroversial things, but it’s because of the controversial ones. Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). It’s this kind of claim that makes all the difference. No Jewish person could possibly ever say he was God. It would be inconceivable — and definitely controversial. Let’s look more deeply at the nature of this claim and then the uniqueness of the claim.
Outline
John 14:5–10
Looking at Jesus Christ’s bold statements, we see how he stands out among others. He said he was the way to God, the truth of life, and the only route to God. Even though some people doubted him, many started to believe and worship him after his death. By understanding his bold claim, we can better understand who Jesus really is.
1. Jesus speaks with boldness
Jesus’ words were clear and bold. He lived humbly, yet he declared himself to be the resurrection, the Lord of the Sabbath, and wisdom itself. His claims force us to either fully accept or reject him, with no middle ground. If we say we like Jesus but not the church, we’re missing his point. He’s asking us to either accept him fully or not at all.
2. Jesus promises a close relationship
When Jesus says, “I am the way,” he means that he’s the only way to truly know God. This might seem exclusive, but it actually promises to change our relationship with God from fear and doubt to trust, comfort, and love. Christianity is unique because it says that God suffered for us, letting us feel his love in a deep and real way.
3. Jesus claims to be God
Jesus, who represents ultimate truth and love, promises forgiveness, a close relationship with God, and personal growth. While Christianity says that Jesus is the only way to salvation, it also invites everyone to join in, encouraging followers to have humble conversations and explore God’s grace more deeply. Those who don’t believe are encouraged to think critically about their beliefs and choose to either accept or reject Jesus, rather than staying neutral.
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