Poster Archive : OCTOBER 2009
Message: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life
Bible verse: John 14:6 "Jesus said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life.'".
A Christian, a Muslim and a Buddhist were blindfolded and asked to identify an object in front of them just by touch. The Christian went first, 'It's long and round - it must be a hose'; the Muslim went next, 'It's large and thin, it must be a sail'; and lastly the Buddhist, 'It's big and thick - it must be a tree trunk'. Finally their blindfolds were removed to reveal the elephant standing before them, with his long round trunk, large thin ears and big thick legs.
And that's how the story goes. The world is at harmony and peace now that Christians, Muslims and Buddhists have realised that they're each just one of many ways to God - only one aspect of truth, only one alternative way of life. The problem with this story is that it isn't really true. The major religions of our world are incompatible - they offer different ways to God, different ideas about truth and different ways to live.
The man who claims the world is just one big elephant has, in one fell swoop, offended the Christian, the Muslim and the Buddhist. Not just by discounting their claims to truth, but by painting them as fools who can't see the bigger picture. The man who believes in the elephant believes he knows more and stands above all the world's religions.
Maybe offence is unavoidable? Perhaps all important religious claims are offensive by definition? The most offensive of all claims is from Jesus who said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life'.
It's worth noting that it wouldn't have been offensive if Jesus had claimed 'a' way, or to have 'some' truth and know 'some' things about life. The problem comes when He adds that small three letter word 'the'. It changes the words of a Jew born in the backwaters of Palestine from inconsequential to monumental. From a weak assertion to the biggest claim ever made.
Jesus isn't offering alternative medicine here - 'try this if your usual remedy doesn't work out'. He's offering the unique cure and denying all others.
Jesus is not one among many ways to God, not one aspect of truth, not one alternative way of life. Jesus said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life'. Before assuming He must be wrong, do investigate the kind of way, truth and life Jesus claims to be. Find out why Christians around the world continue to trust in Jesus.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for revealing Jesus, your truth, to us that we might have a way to eternal life. AMEN.
