John 14:6,7 reads: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.'"
Today's passage discusses some of Jesus's last interactions with His disciples prior to His capture and crucifixion. He indicates the identity of His betrayer and even points to His close associate Peter as one who will disown Him during His hour of trial. Despite the insincerity about Him, Jesus illustrates His great love for the disciples by washing their feet. This act of humble service stands in stark contrast to the prideful posturing of the Jewish religious leaders. To think that God Himself would take on flesh, humbling Himself and turning back on His great throne in heaven, and then wash the filth from His disciples' feet! This passage -- and the death and resurrection soon to come -- highlight the intimately personal and wholly other nature of the Triune God. He is both sovereign over all creation and yet knows His children deeply, loving them uniquely and seeking their individual best (Romans 8:28).
I would like to focus on the three elements of Jesus's great proclamation in John 14:6. I list this verse as my "Religion" status on Facebook because it so clearly encompasses the Gospel message. I received Christ on Friday, September 18, 1998, and this verse cemented the truths about Jesus that I had been earnestly seeking. He is the central Person of all history, and I desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him forever. The entire Word of God hinges upon His ongoing life and praise. As the saints and angels sing,
"Worth is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!...
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!" (Revelation 5:12,13)
Let's take a look at each element in turn:
1) The way. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection directs us to the Father. His desire to glorify the Father and love sinful people provides a blueprint for our lives as His servants. Indeed, the early church became known as "The Way," as noted in Acts 9:2, 19:23, and 24:12. As we consider our lives, we may model them after Jesus's mission (Luke 4:18,19; Luke 19:9,10), joining Him in the ongoing enterprise of redemption. We have been set free from our bondage to sin so that we may honor and glorify the King of Kings.
2) The truth. Jesus spoke with "grace and truth" (John 1:14). In Him, we find the Personification of truth, the fulfillment of all prophecy and history. He promises that following His Word will lead to truth and ultimately freedom: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31,32) He did not abandon His disciples upon His death and return to heaven. Instead, He sent the Holy Spirit, explaining: "But when he, the Sprit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13)
3) The life. In essence, the Christian walk involves inviting Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to live in and through us. If we seek our own kingdom, the results will be short-lived and futile; if we seek after God's Kingdom, our lives will have meaning and eternal purpose. So that our lives may be most effective for the Kingdom, we seek to train ourselves for the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4:8). We must consistently renew our minds so that we may have our "life... hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-4)
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