Today my friend Pam Farrel is our guest! In this post , Pam explains why Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This is one of the 7 “I am” statements by Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Pam is one of the co-authors of the new Bible study “Discovering the Good News in John: A Creative Bible Study Devotional Experience.”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV) 

Jesus is the Way

What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the way?” Jesus meant that He is the path or road, and journey to the presence of the Father in Heaven. (See also, “At the Risk of Sounding Intolerant.”) But, the good news is Jesus wants us to not only know the way to God, He wants us to know the will of God. . 

When people ask, “How do I know God’s will?” I describe a decision- making skill I like to call The Happiness Decision Cycle, which reflects Jesus as the Way. Jesus told us: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21 NIV) This cycle of love and obedience helps us better understand God’s will. As we obey, God shows His love by revealing more of who He is. We show our love for Him through obedience. Obedience draws us closer to the heartbeat God, where it is easier to discern His will. (For more about the “Happiness Decision Cycle” see Pam’s book 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman.)

Jesus it the Truth

Jesus is not merely truth based on opinion, sincerity, emotion, ideas, polls, or presentations. Jesus is truth based on fact. God, the Creator, is the litmus test and plumb line of Truth. (See also “God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time” & “Truth or Lie? How Can we Tell?”) You can value Truth by layering the Word into your life. Here are some ways to do that:

• Listen: Take in the Word through the audio Bible, media and podcasts, internet Bible videos, worship music and by recording yourself reading the Bible.
• Look: Read the Bible, create and read verses and memes, read Christian books, commentaries, bible studies, blogs, etc.,
• Link: Take the Word with you! Enjoy Bible art or create art, Wear clothing or practical items that display Scripture. Keep Truth before you constantly.
• Lavish: I give out the Word in speaking, sharing in live and virtual conversations and when I give through gifts to others in Christ’s name.
• Live it! Obedience to Jesus is a powerful tool for good news in the plans of God. Often God tells His Story using our life as the illustration.

Jesus is the Life

When Covid entered our world, most people experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Soon, the news reported a steep uptick in anxiety, depression, and suicide. As I was packing my bags to shelter in place in an RV where we could care for my in-laws full time, (one frail of mind, the other frail of body), I felt Jesus’ whisper. “Keep believing. All those verses are still true. I am God, and I am good.”  I knew this was a watershed moment for my faith, and most believers worldwide.

We can choose to RISE rather than RETREAT when tough times hit. We have LIFE in us! The Greek word translated as “life” in John 14:6 is Zóé. Here’s its meaning: “All life (physical and spiritual), throughout the universe, is derived… it always (only) comes from and is sustained by God’s self-existent life.”   

This life links back to Gen 2:7, “…the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…” The same God who breathed life into humankind, is the Christ who is the bread of LIFE, who is the light of LIFE, the resurrection, and the LIFE, who gives eternal LIFE and the abundant LIFE. Pray and ask Jesus to breathe LIFE into you and your circumstances today. 

Let’s share! In what way do you need to experience Jesus as the Way, the Truth, or the Life today?

Our guest today, Pam Farrel is an international speaker, author of 58 books including her newest Discovering Good News In John: A Creative Bible Study Devotional Experience (co-authored with Jean E Jones and Karla Dornacher) Pam and her husband Bill Co-Direct Love-Wise ministry where they encourage, enrich and inspire people in their most vital relationships. Pam enjoys kayaking, especially with her family, from her liveaboard boat docked in Southern California (www.Love-Wise.com)