Text: John 14:6
A group that began in Jerusalem in the first century was referred to as “the Way” (Acts 9:2). They were followers of Jesus, who declared Himself to be “the way” (John 14:6). In this lesson, we will look at the originator, author, and leader of “the way” – Jesus Christ.
Who Is Jesus?
- Many different ideas exist about Jesus – myth, wise man, teacher, prophet, etc.
- People also had different ideas in the first century (John 7:12, 15, 20, 27, 40-42; Matthew 16:13-14) – yet the important question was what Jesus asked Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
- Peter answered correctly (Matthew 16:16-17) – Jesus was the Savior prophesied about in the OT (John 1:45; Luke 24:44; Galatians 3:24); He was the Son of God who came in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:9); He was (and is) the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
- We must answer that same question today – not an inconsequential question for us to brush off; if Jesus is who He is described as in the NT, we must obey Him (Matthew 28:18; John 1:12)
- Proof has been given to believe who Jesus is (John 5:33-39; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:4-8)
Why Should We Follow Jesus?
- God said we must listen to Him (Matthew 17:5; 28:18-20)
- He set the perfect example for us (1 Peter 2:21-22; Hebrews 4:15)
- He was willing to give up His life for us (John 10:11; Romans 5:6, 8)
- He is the light who shows us the way (John 1:4, 9; 8:12; 12:46)
- There is salvation in no one else (Acts 4:12)
Where Is Jesus Taking Us?
- To the Father (John 14:6) – to the Father’s house (John 14:2-3)
- Eternal life (John 10:27-28; 1 John 5:11) – we can obtain this by following His words (John 6:68, 63)
- Where He is (Hebrews 6:17-20) – our hope is more than “wishful thinking”; it is “sure and steadfast“
Conclusion
- We cannot afford to go through life simply following our heart
- Instead, we must “set [our] heart” to follow Christ (cf. 1 Chronicles 22:19)
- Jesus is “the way” (John 14:6) – we must follow Him so we can have hope of eternal life
