Jesus: the way, the truth, and the life
by Norma Koehne
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Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6).
Read John 14:1–14
In our anything-goes post-modern world, we all supposedly manufacture our own truth so that ours is as good as others’ and must not be criticised. One hears, again, Pontius Pilate’s cynical words, ‘What is truth?’ In such a context, Jesus’ words have great power and are confronting to many. He states so clearly that there is only one ultimate saving truth, and this truth is the way to eternal life.
Even in Christian circles, this statement is being modified. When I worked at the University of Divinity, I came across a lecturer teaching about Abrahamic faiths, a supposed way to reconcile Christian, Jewish and Islamic teachings. As Paul said, Abraham is an example of faith, but he cannot reconcile us to the Father. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension open the only way to the Father.
This passage reassures the disciples and us that faith in Christ brings us peace and leads us to a place in the Father’s house that is already prepared for us. To reinforce the strength of his words, Jesus talks about his close relationship with his Father and that his words are the Father’s words. Later in this chapter, in verse 26, he tells the disciples that he will send the Holy Spirit ‘who will teach [them] all things and remind of everything [he has] said to [them]’. We have the assurance that we can trust God’s word. What is written in the Bible is the truth, revealing to us God and his love, his plan of salvation, and his holy will for the world, the church, and his children.
When we are bombarded every day with so many so-called truths, please help us to remain firm in our faith in your Son, our Saviour, who is the only way, truth, and life. Amen.
Norma grew up at Koonibba in South Australia. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an international student advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Council and Seminary Council and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
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