John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me. I. IN WHAT RESPECTS IS CHRIST "THE WAY?" 1. As a Teacher. He came into a world that was filled with error and falsehood. Everywhere men were groping in the dark, following "blind leaders." And the Saviour affirmed, "I am the Light of the World." "I am the Truth." All spiritual truth is associated with Christ, because it proceeds from Him and terminates in Him. 2. As a Mediator. Many can see that Christ is "the Way" as a Teacher, but not as a Mediator. But if Christ be a Teacher, and nothing more, then He rather shows "the Way," than is "the Way." Between man and God there stretches a wide gulf which sin has opened. Amidst the many expedients which man vainly devises, the Saviour interposes and becomes the "one Mediator between God and man." 3. As such — (1) He intercedes with us, and beseeches us to be reconciled to God. (2) He intercedes with God. For this the Saviour is fitted because of His atoning work. He entered into the holy place, "neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood." "Having, therefore, brethren, boldness to enter," etc. (3) He receives and bestows upon us the Holy Spirit. If man is to come to God it must be as a "new creature" that he comes. II. Some of THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS "WAY." 1. Truth. Immediately our Lord adds, "I am the Truth." From the Fall until now the human mind has been in matters of religion avaricious of error. Now, amidst the many ways which men have invented, Christ presents Himself as the true Way — the Way which God provides, and which Scripture reveals. What other way so commends itself to an enlightened reason as this. 2. Purity. False systems of religion must accommodate themselves to man's frailties, and enable him to compound for his sins; it is only the gospel that presents a pure and perfect standard. 3. Happiness and security. Emphatically may it be said that it is a way of peace. But can you affirm this of those methods of salvation which man has invented? "Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven." Safe as well as happy! — for as this is allying way, all who walk in it participate in that eternal life which it bestows (Isaiah 35:8-10). I think of every image that can suggest this security, but they all fail adequately to shadow it forth. I think of Noah sheltered in the ark; of Lot, plucked as a "brand from the burning;" of the criminal pursued by the officers of justice reaching the Temple; of the man slayer in the city of refuge. "There is no condemnation," etc. 4. Simplicity. What can be plainer than this promise, "He that believeth, shall be saved;" or than this invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour," etc.; or than this assurance, "Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out;" or than this command, "Look unto Me, all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved"? 5. Exclusiveness. "There is no other name," etc. (H. J. Gamble.) Parallel Verses KJV: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. |
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