Everyone today seems to like the idea of Jesus. He was very moral, taught important lessons, and helped those who were in need. People love those kind of stories. Ghandi is probably on the same level as Jesus in our society in terms of admiration and respect.

But what about the exclusive claims of Jesus?

In John chapter 14 he was talking about heaven. Jesus made an incredible promise that where he is going, all believers will also one day be too.

The talk of heaven sounds so nice and sweet. It makes us want to watch Touched By An Angel (okay, maybe that was a little extreme), and makes us feel better that everyone we know who has died is now there. They are in a “better place.”

Or are they?

We love the life of Jesus, and even the idea of heaven.

However, we must look at what he actually said.

John 14:5-6: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Well, I believe in a higher power of some sort and I am good person!

John 14:7-11 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

Don’t get mad at me, get mad at Jesus. I just copied/pasted his words.

Thankfully, this “way” he exclusively claimed to open and available to all people who will call upon his name. It is a way of grace, mercy and love.

Through the substitutionary death of Christ, we were provided the way from death to life.

In your reading of John 14 today, pause and thank God for the Gospel.