“Jesus said unto him, ‘I Am The Way. . .’”
John 14:6a
It’s not a precept, principle or process; it’s His Presence.
“I Am The Way.”
When Jesus, the Incarnate Word, spoke these words, He was identifying Himself as the “I Am Who I Am” God that appeared to Moses that day at the burning bush (Ex. 3:14a). A most unusual Name to be sure; One-of-a-kind for certain. But, it’s an unchanging Name and, therefore, appropriate for Jesus, “The Way,” to use it.
Look at it this way:
Ask Him, “Who are You?” and He’ll reply, “I Am.” Ask Him, “Where are You?” and He’ll say the same, “I Am.” Or, ask “What are You doing?” and He’ll respond, “I Am.” Thus, it’s clear He is a present-tense, continuous action Presence. And, what better way for Him to express Himself than by saying, “I AM the Way.”
“The Way.”
Our technologically-, mechanically-inclined minds immediately think “method” or “formula.” We’re looking for a “means to an end” when we hear the word “way;” yet, Jesus is neither of these. He is not a pattern for us to copy, a formula to remember or an additive to improve. Instead, He is “The Way”. . . the “Only Way”. . .the “One Way”. . .the “Living Way” (Heb. 10:20).
Not doctrine. Not orthodoxy. Not creed. Not ritual.
But, “The Essence and Epitome of Truth and Life.”
No wonder He also called Himself “The Door” (Jn. 10:7, 9) and said “No one comes unto the Father except by/through Me” (Jn. 14:6d). Only by “abiding in Christ” (Jn. 15:1-7) are we able to “be saved, enter Heaven’s Sheepfold and find pasture (eternal life).”
Again, we’re much better at mimicking or imitating than we are trusting. By nature, our theme song is “I Did It My Way.” And, even though we may have walked an aisle, made some public profession, been baptized and worked in the church for 25 years, it’s possible we still don’t know Christ. . .really, really know Him (Phil. 3:10). . .and wonder why we’re always touching death instead of life.
Jesus, “The Way,” is spontaneous Life. The “Gate that leads to eternal life” is narrow by Design (Mt. 7:14a) and it’s no wonder “few there be that find it” (Mt. 7:14b). Rather than surrender to Him and His Way, most prefer having Him only as some type of fire insurance policy against hell.
No wonder so many are best described as “whitened sepulchers full of dead men’s bones” (Mt. 23:27). The stench of spiritual death accompanies them wherever they go. They know what Christ says, “But.” They know what they should do, “But.” They feel His pricking in their conscience, “But.” And, then, they wonder why life is always empty and an unending maze to them. Look to Christ and Christ alone, Pilgrim. He’s “The Way.” And, He’s all you need.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated December 8, 2009
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