Exploring the seven “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, this Easter season we want to encounter Jesus again for the first time. Drawing upon the Gospel context and Old Testament history, we want to step more deeply into what Jesus was saying then and what it means for our life with God today.
(John 14:6)
SERMON OUTLINE
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)
- The Pending Departure of Jesus (John 14:1-5)
The coming crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
Jesus’ desire to comfort the disciples
Confusion about what Jesus means as voiced by Thomas - The disciples’ sadness about the absence of Jesus
Jesus the Way
- Jesus the way to the Father
- What it means that Jesus is the way:
- Relational
- Experiential
- Salvational
Jesus the Way Characterized by Truth and Life
- Jesus the way of truth
- Jesus the way of life
Living in Jesus the Way
- Reach out by faith in Jesus to the Living God
- Choose to live with God in Jesus’Way
- Let God shape us to become more like Jesus in His way
- Rest in Jesus who is the way
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever lost your way, maybe on a trip or on the way to an appointment or just while on a walk? What happened? How did you eventually find your way?
- This weekend we continue our preaching series, “I AM: Seven Identity Markers of Jesus,” by looking at Jesus’ statement, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read John 14:1-14 aloud.
- Background: This passage occurs in Jesus’ upper room discourse, which is an extended teaching in John’s gospel that Jesus offers to His disciples in the upper room gathering immediately before His arrest and crucifixion.
- The disciples have heard already that Jesus would be betrayed and then eventually be subject to some sort of suffering in Jerusalem. His disciples were saddened by some parts of what Jesus said. In light of this, what do you think Jesus is trying to tell them in 14:1-4?
- What do you think it means that Jesus will “come back and take you to be with me” (14:3)?
- Thomas’ question (14:5) leads into the statement we are exploring here. Read 14:6-7 again. The main thrust of Jesus’ teaching seems to be about “the way” Jesus is going (14:4, 6). What do you think is the way that Jesus is talking about here?
- If the focus is on the way, then it is a way characterized by “truth” and “life.” In light of 14:7, what might it mean that Jesus’ way is a way of truth and life in relation to God the Father?
- What is one or two practical aspects of living with Jesus as the way to the Father in our everyday lives? What has that meant for you to live in that way?
- When you read Philip’s question (14:8) and Jesus’ response (14:9-14), what stands out to you about who Jesus is and His relationship to the Father?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John 14:6
- Both this week and next week’s messages are drawn from the Upper Room discourse (John 13-16). Take time to read and ponder this entire teaching of Jesus in one sitting. What stands out to you from this passage? What do you learn about the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? How would you describe the Jesus way from what you read here?
- Listen to “Marvelous Light” from City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise
- Read Eugene Peterson, The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways that Jesus is the Way