Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:1-14 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

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1 Devotional Scripture: Heb 10:18-25 Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:1-14 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS THE WAY TO GOD (JOHN 14:1-6) The method (vs 1) Method of looking to the Son and believing in Him (John 6:40) Method of the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:17-21) Method of belief in Jesus that removes condemnation (John 3:18) Method of belief in the gospel of salvation (Eph 1:13) The preparation (vs 2-3) Preparation for a later following of Jesus (John 13:36) Preparation for being where Jesus is and the seeing of Jesus' glory (John 17:24) Preparation by entering the inner sanctuary on behalf of believers (Heb 6:19-20) Preparation of a heavenly home (Heb 11:13-16) Preparation of a new Holy City for the Church (Rev 21:2-3) The proclamation (vs 4-6) Proclamation of being the gate (John 10:9) Proclamation of being the only Name by which believers can be saved (Acts 4:12) Proclamation of being the access to God's grace (Rom 5:1-3) Proclamation of being the access to God and the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18) Proclamation of being the new and living way into the Most Holy Place (Heb 10:19-22) THE TRUTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SON AND THE FATHER (JOHN 14:7-11) Knowing the Father is knowing the Son (vs 7-8) Knowing Jesus is the way of knowing God (John 8:19) Knowing God and Jesus is having eternal life (John 17:3) Knowing that Jesus is the image of God (Col 1:15) Knowing that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's being (Heb 1:3) Jesus made God known to show God's love (John 17:26) Seeing the Father is seeing the Son (vs 9) Show me (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Seeing Jesus is seeing the One who sent Him (John 12:45) Seeing Jesus makes God known (John 1:18) Jesus is the only One who has seen God (John 6:46) Satan has blinded unbelievers from seeing Jesus for who He is (2 Cor 4:4) Believing in Jesus is believing in the Son (vs 10-11) Believing in Jesus and God by being indwelled by Them (John 17:21) Believing that there is only one God and Son and that Jesus is the Son (1 Cor 8:6) Believing Jesus is God by acknowledging Him as such (1 John 2:23) Believing by honoring Jesus as God (John 5:23) Believing in Jesus means believing in God also (John 12:44) THE LIFE IN THE GLORY OF THE FATHER (JOHN 14:12-14) Greater works (vs 12) Greater works of healings (Acts 5:15) Greater works of faith (Matt 21:21) Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

2 Greater works through spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:7-11) Greater works through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3-12) Answered prayer (vs 13-14) Answered prayer through asking in the Name of Jesus (John 16:22-24) Answered prayer for wisdom (James 1:5) Answered prayer through being righteous (James 5:16-18) Answered prayer through obedience (1 John 3:21-22) Answered prayer through asking according to God's will (1 John 5:13-15) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Trust in the Lord (John 14:1-5) The Father is revealed through Jesus (John 14:6-11) Jesus' promise of power (John 14:12-14) THE JEWISH ASPECT FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The lesson's outline concept came from Bible Expositor and Illuminator. The lesson examines how Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The study's aim is to understand how the Scriptures clearly establishes Jesus as the only way to the Father and in Him is the Truth and the Life. The study's application is to be motivated to boldly proclaim that Jesus alone provides access to salvation, the truth, and eternal life. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Have you ever heard the phrase You can t get there from here? What this usually means is that the destination is a difficult place to reach or that describing how to get there is nearly impossible. When Jesus talked about Heaven, though, he made it clear that you can get there from here. You do so by taking THE way, which is Jesus himself. Along this one, true path are many opportunities for detour. There are many signs alongside the way to Heaven that try to point people in all kinds of directions. But only one sign is the right sign. That sign is Jesus, who points toward the Father. Jesus, as the light of truth, illuminates our journey. The comforting and convicting words of Jesus in today s text are for those seeking direction for life in the here and now and for life everlasting in the presence of God. Our lessons in this series so far have focused on passages from the first 12 chapters of the Gospel of John. As we noted last week, this section is often called the Book of Signs because it highlights Jesus public ministry of miracles and teachings; it portrays Jesus actions as signs of his divine nature. Yet despite all these great works, most people either did not believe Jesus or refused to confess their faith for fear of persecution (see John 7:13; 9:22). Following this rejection, Jesus met privately with his disciples on the last night of his life in an upper room. There they celebrated the Passover (John 13:1 3). It is interesting to compare the Gospel accounts here. Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus mainly on the events surrounding the institution of the Lord s Supper (see Matthew 26:17 30; Mark 14:12 26; Luke 22:7 38). John, however, includes lengthy excerpts from Jesus farewell address his last words for the disciples before his arrest. The farewell address occupies all of John It focuses on the need for unity after Jesus departure. This includes not only the disciples unity with Christ but also unity with one another. In today s passage Jesus reminds the disciples that they can come to God only by believing in him and following his example. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator It was time for Jesus to be glorified; so He would be going where they would not be able to accompany Him (John 13:33). They were to focus instead on loving each other in the same way that He had loved them. In spite of this command, the disciples were still thinking about His comment that they could not go with Him, and it puzzled them. Where was He going, and why could they not follow Him (vs )? The feeling of loyalty was so great that Peter boldly announced that he would willingly die for Jesus if that was needed. Jesus countered with a question: "Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?" (vs. 38). It was as if He were saying, "Are you sure about what you claim?" It was then that Jesus said to Peter, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice." Now the disciples were even more troubled. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

4 The Way to God (John 14:1-6) 1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know." 5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. The method (vs 1) Method of looking to the Son and believing in Him (John 6:40) 40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Method of the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:17-21) 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Method of belief in Jesus that removes condemnation (John 3:18) 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. Method of belief in the gospel of salvation (Eph 1:13) 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, The preparation (vs 2-3) Preparation for a later following of Jesus (John 13:36) 36 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." Preparation for being where Jesus is and the seeing of Jesus' glory (John 17:24) 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Preparation by entering the inner sanctuary on behalf of believers (Heb 6:19-20) 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Preparation of a heavenly home (Heb 11:13-16) 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

5 had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Preparation of a new Holy City for the Church (Rev 21:2-3) 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. The proclamation (vs 4-6) Proclamation of being the gate (John 10:9) 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. Proclamation of being the only Name by which believers can be saved (Acts 4:12) 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Proclamation of being the access to God's grace (Rom 5:1-3) 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Proclamation of being the access to God and the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18) 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Proclamation of being the new and living way into the Most Holy Place (Heb 10:19-22) 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. The Truth of the Relationship between the Son and the Father (John 14:7-11) 7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." 8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Knowing the Father is knowing the Son (vs 7-8) Knowing Jesus is the way of knowing God (John 8:19) 19 Then they asked him, "Where is your father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

6 Knowing God and Jesus is having eternal life (John 17:3) 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Knowing that Jesus is the image of God (Col 1:15) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Knowing that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's being (Heb 1:3) 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Jesus made God known to show God's love (John 17:26) 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." Seeing the Father is seeing the Son (vs 9) Show me (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) There are numerous phrases that mean, Prove it! One that was popular a few years ago was Show me the money! (from a movie). Enthusiastic talk is one thing. But when the impatient seller wants to close the deal, he or she may say, Show me the money! A similar phrase is, Put your money where your mouth is! Big talk is not enough. This prove it attitude cuts across many areas of life. For several years I have been active in accrediting associations that review institutions of higher education. At one of our annual meetings a couple of years ago, the staff of the association sported buttons that proclaimed, Show me the learning. It is not enough for a college to say they educate their students; they have to demonstrate that learning does in fact take place. Our modern world is filled with demands of Show me! The same was true in ancient times, as we see in Philip s request. Jesus had identified himself with the Father and said that the disciples had seen the Father in Jesus activities. Yet even after three years, Philip still did not understand. Show me, he demanded. We are not much different. Our actions constantly request, show me Your grace, show me Your forgiveness, show me Your love, show me that You understand what I am going through. Before we make too many such requests of God, we should remember that Jesus did show us on the cross. Seeing Jesus is seeing the One who sent Him (John 12:45) 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. Seeing Jesus makes God known (John 1:18) 18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. Jesus is the only One who has seen God (John 6:46) 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. Satan has blinded unbelievers from seeing Jesus for who He is (2 Cor 4:4) 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

7 Believing in Jesus is believing in the Son (vs 10-11) Believing in Jesus and God by being indwelled by Them (John 17:21) 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Believing that there is only one God and Son and that Jesus is the Son (1 Cor 8:6) 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. Believing Jesus is God by acknowledging Him as such (1 John 2:23) 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Believing by honoring Jesus as God (John 5:23) 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. Believing in Jesus means believing in God also (John 12:44) 44 Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The Life in the Glory of the Father (John 14:12-14) 12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. Greater works (vs 12) Greater works of healings (Acts 5:15) 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Greater works of faith (Matt 21:21) 21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. Greater works through spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:7-11) 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

8 Greater works through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3-12) 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Answered prayer (vs 13-14) Answered prayer through asking in the Name of Jesus (John 16:22-24) 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Answered prayer for wisdom (James 1:5) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Answered prayer through being righteous (James 5:16-18) The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. Answered prayer through obedience (1 John 3:21-22) 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. Answered prayer through asking according to God's will (1 John 5:13-15) 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us whatever we ask we know that we have what we asked of him. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Many have tried to describe, in song, poem, and prose, what eternity in Heaven will be like. To try to describe the indescribable is quite a job! The hymn Mansion Over the Hilltop by Ira Stanphill ( ) is one such attempt. Its well-known lyrics compare the cottage the singer has on earth with the mansion that awaits in Heaven. The word mansions occurs in John 14:2 of the King James Version. When that translation came into being in 1611, the word mansion simply meant an abode or dwelling place or a separate apartment that was not part of a larger building. In this sense an abode in Heaven is the special place that God has prepared for those who are faithful to him. Jesus does not emphasize the material comforts of this heavenly dwelling. Instead he focuses on the essential benefit that we will enjoy: God and Christ will be with us forever. In the meantime Jesus calls us to live lives that show we are in fellowship with him. As we do we have the confidence that he will give us the power we need to do all that he asks. This may be difficult, but a heavenly home awaits for those who remain faithful. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

9 Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator In response to Thomas's question about where Jesus was going, Jesus gave an answer that today is becoming more odious all the time to those who clamor for tolerance in religion. The exclusivity of Jesus in matters of salvation is not politically correct in this age, but as long as it remains part of the Bible, it is fact. Even if someone were to succeed in getting the verse removed from the Bible, the fact of the verse would remain true. God's Word is truth, whether it pleases people or not. When Jesus responded to Thomas, He made it plain that the way to the Father is not by following rules and regulations or by following a program. It is by being in a relationship with a person, Jesus Himself. Jews of that era entertained various ideas about getting to heaven. Some believed that circumcision and law keeping were the way. With others, the birthright was seen as pretty much guaranteeing the trip. Some did believe that faith was necessary, but there was not universal agreement as to the object of faith. With this bold statement, Jesus made it plain that He was to be the object of faith. This became the message of genuine believers down through the centuries. Early Christians were known as those who followed the Way (Acts 9:2; 22:4). Jesus not only is the way to the Father, but He is also truth personified. As God in the flesh, He could be none other than Truth. He revealed God in truth, He spoke words the Father gave Him to speak, and no one who knew Him ever heard Him lie. Some have tried to twist His words to soften what He said about sin, or hell, or some other subject. However, the fact remains: Jesus told the truth because He was and is God, and God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18). Jesus also laid claim to being the life. This is in total agreement with what John wrote in John 1:4 and 5:25. Because Jesus has life in Himself, He also gives life to whom He wills (14:19; 17:2). The truth that there is new life in Jesus is testified to over and over again by experience and observation. Many reading this can look back and recall the life they led prior to having Christ as Saviour and Lord. They know their present life is not the same as before. Likewise, many can look at others and marvel at the change Jesus has made since that person received Christ into his life. Seeing the change in oneself and in others shoots down the rhetoric of naysayers who claim such change is purely psychological or some personal reformation. Finally, Jesus told it like it is, there is no other way to heaven than by Him. This allows no room for universalism or alternate religions. Not all roads lead to Rome, nor do all faiths lead to heaven. It is right and proper to evangelize those who are not of the Christian faith, for there is simply no other way. If there were, Jesus would not have had to die. If there were, He would not have told us to be His witnesses in all the world. If there were some other way, Jesus would then be a way, not the way. He would also be a liar. Liars cannot save themselves, let alone have life to give. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. Many people say they believe in God, but few really believe in Jesus (John 14:1) 2. Jesus has a plan for each of our lives, and that plan culminates in heaven, not on earth (vs. 2-3) 3. We often know more than we understand (vs. 4-5) 4. Jesus does not merely show us the way to God; He is the way to God (vs. 6) 5. To all who wish to know what God is like, we need only point them to Jesus (vs. 7-11) 6. The only claim we have on God is when we come to Him in Jesus' name (vs ) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The apostles left all they had to follow Jesus. They were eyewitnesses to the many miracles Jesus had performed. Imagine their devastation when Jesus informed them He was going away and they could not follow Him! Jesus did not want His disciples to be discouraged. He told them He was going away to prepare a place for them in His Father's house. Jesus said He would come back for them (John 14:3). One day they all would be together again. Thomas wanted to know the whereabouts of the Father, or at least the directions to the Father. Jesus replied, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus is the only way to the Father. He has all knowledge and truth about God. Jesus is life, and He offers everlasting life to believers. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

10 Trust in the Lord (John 14:1-5) Things happen in life that can cause heartaches and disappointments. There are times we face the loss of a job or of loved ones. The apostles had to face losing the Messiah (they did not understand it was only temporary). They had walked and talked with Him on a daily basis. Jesus gave them instructions and shared with them the words of life. The apostles would feel a great void. During difficult times, we must trust in the Lord. Peter wanted to follow Jesus. He said he was willing to lay down his life for Jesus' sake (13:37). Is your mind made up to follow Jesus? Jesus wanted the apostles to trust Him. He wanted them to trust that although He had to leave, He would come back for them. Jesus is also coming back for all believers. We are to look for His return. Jesus is coming back for those who are expecting Him. Do you completely trust Jesus? Are you expecting Him to return for you? It is comforting to know we can put our confidence in Jesus Christ, our Saviour. When we were lost, He made it possible for us to be united with the Father. It is through Jesus Christ that we get the revelation of the Father and have access to Him. "The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him (God)" (1:18). The Father is revealed through Jesus (John 14:6-11) We are blessed to have a revelation of the Father through Jesus. Jesus is the Way. There is absolutely no other way. We must remain faithful to the Lord and continue to trust Him. Jesus is the Truth. His word is true. He will keep His promises. We can trust all that He said. Jesus is the Life. His death, burial, and resurrection opened the way for believers to approach a holy God. The apostles did not fully understand what Jesus was saying until after His death, resurrection, and ascension. Their trust in the Lord kept them secure. If we continue to trust God at all times, we will be secure in His promises. Jesus' promise of power (John 14:12-14) Jesus performed several miracles when He was here on earth. The works of the believers shall be greater. It is hard to imagine doing greater works than Jesus! Believers have the liberty to ask anything. If we ask in the name of Jesus, He said He will do it. Jesus is the Truth; therefore, He has to be true to His word. Promises made by Jesus have to be honored. Believers should note that we must ask for that which is according to the Lord's will (1 John 5:14-15). Our prayers are then guaranteed to be answered. Jesus is true to His word. He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life. The Jewish Aspect from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Among the Jewish people of Jesus' time there were many different types of belief. Not only were there Pharisees and Sadducees; there were also Essenes, Herodians, other unnamed groups, and the common people. There was a variety of ideas about God's character and what He expects of His people. There were always radical groups, like the Essenes, calling people to follow their way. In fact, before the followers of Jesus became known as the "way" (cf. Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23), the Essenes used that term for themselves (Brown, The Anchor Bible: John, Doubleday). For a Jewish person trying to understand life under Roman rule and the law of Moses, which God had given to Israel, appeals to join radical groups must have been tempting. The Essenes taught that a righteous man should "reproach with truthful knowledge and with just judgment those who choose the path" (Martinez, The Dead Seal Scrolls Translated, Eerdmans). The word "path" is the same as "way." In other words, the Essenes saw themselves as a community of righteous believers called out from worldly Jewish society to live separately and to admonish one another, thereby helping each other be more godly. For the Essenes, the "way" consisted of following the Mosaic Law according to the stringent teachings of the Teacher of the community (Brown). This strict path of law observance included twice-daily baptisms for each member of the community. Another feature of Essene life was a calendar that differed from the one used at the temple. The Essenes believed that the rest of Israel celebrated the biblical feasts on the wrong days. Only their community kept the law correctly, and only they would be saved in the last days. They called the ruling establishment in Jerusalem the "empire of Belial" (Martinez). The idea of "the way" was a biblical one, expressed, for example, in Psalm 119:30: "I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me." In the context of the psalm, "the way" is God's law, expressed through Moses; yet the law of Moses had many interpreters. Did the Pharisees Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007

11 accurately interpret God's way? Did the Sadducees or the Essenes? Into this Jewish debate entered Yeshua, who said, "I am the way" (John 14:6). No doubt Jesus meant that He is the very path to God, since He was answering Thomas's question about the way Jesus was going. Jesus was also saying that His life and teachings accurately showed the way of God's law. God's law is not to be interpreted as man finding his own righteousness; rather, God provides His righteousness for those who believe. In Jewish thought, the way of God and the truth are often associated. In the apocryphal book of Tobit, for example, the Jewish character said, "I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the ways of truth" (1:3). Jesus did not just say He was the way. He also said He was the truth. Then He added one more category: the life. Any Jewish person in Jesus' time would have seen not only the way and the truth but also the idea of true life as important concepts. Moses said in Deuteronomy 30:19, "Choose life." By revealing that in Himself He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus was saying, in effect, that the law of Moses pointed to Him. All that the Jewish people hoped to find in their various religious groups could really be found in Jesus alone. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/18/2007