John 14

“‘If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.’  Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:3-6 (NKJV)

Jesus had already told His disciples what He was about to undergo in Jerusalem, yet they either did not understand, did not believe, or were in denial.  Of course, Thomas was the disciple famous for doubting Jesus’ resurrection, earning him the name, ‘Doubting Thomas”.

The problem with Thomas was that he focused on “Religion” instead of “Relationship.” Thomas was so quick to learn how to get to Heaven that he didn’t listen when Jesus promised to return and personally take His disciples home.

You don’t need to know the way to a location as long as someone else takes you there.  You simply need to trust the guide and follow.  Likewise, we don’t need to know the way to Heaven.  We need to know Jesus!  Jesus knows the way to Heaven because He came from there.

“No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.” John 3:13 (HCSB)

Not only does Jesus know the “route” to Heaven, but He, Himself, is the ONLY way!

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NASB)

Frequently, people say they believe Jesus was a great teacher but that He is not the only way to Heaven.  Perhaps, those people should listen to His testimony about Himself.  In His own words, Jesus states that salvation comes exclusively through Him.

Jesus doesn’t say He is a way, a truth, or a life.  He says He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.

Salvation comes exclusively through Jesus, yet it is offered liberally to ALL who would, by faith, turn from their sin and believe.

I hope this news doesn’t offend you.  It truly encouraged me on the day I chose to follow Jesus, and it continues to encourage me today.  Jesus’ claim to Lordship, and His promise to never leave or forsake me, allowed me to stop shopping around for salvation.  You don’t have to figure out the way to Heaven.  You simply need to trust that Jesus IS the way, turn from your sin, and choose to follow Him.