by Mr. Francis D'Souza
Claims and self images of Jesus
I am the Bread of Life John 6:35 (NOURISHMENT)
I am the Light of the World John 8:12 (DIRECTION)
I am the Door to the Sheep John 10:9 (SAFETY)
I am the Good Shepherd John 10:11 (PROTECTOR)
I am the Resurrection&the Life John 11:35 (POST DEATH)
I am the Way the Truth,the Life John 14:6
I am the Real Vine John 15:1
I am the Son of God John 9:35-37
Parachuted pilot’s story
- Pilot: Where’s the road? How do we get out of here?
- Rescuer: No road. I’m the way. Follow me.
Claim/self image for today’s reflection – John 14:6
- Christ is the way, the highway spoken of, Isa 35:8.
- Christ was his own way, for by his own blood he entered into the holy place (Heb 9:12),
- and he is our way, for we enter by him. Eph 2:18
Situation – Thomas’ ignorance and questions thereof (John 14:5)– our blessing.
Now to this complaint of their ignorance, which included a desire to be taught, Christ gives a full answer, v. 6, 7. Thomas had enquired both whither he went and what was the way, and Christ answers both these enquiries and makes good what he had said, that they would have needed no answer if they had understood themselves aright; for they knew him, and he was the way; they knew the Father, and he was the end; and therefore, whither I go you know, and the way you know. Believe in God as the end, and in me as the way (v. 1), and you do all you should do.
These self-images of Jesus are:
Not for boasting about the superiority of Jesus
Although Jesus is the only name by which we must be saved (Act 4:12)
Although Jesus is the only mediator between man and God (1Tim 2:5)
Not for condemning others
God is saying I will have mercy and compassion on whom I wish. Who are we to condemn others. (Exo 33:10 ff)
God spared the Ninevites because they repented by taking Jonah’s message seriously
All those who do good are acceptable to the Lord and will be welcomed by Him. Who are we to condemn anybody(Act10:35)
BUT
For sharing our faith with others i.e. how our life has been blessed since we put our faith in Jesus. How we have been filled with Peace, Joy, Happiness, Hope, and Purpose.
For motivating us to follow Jesus
- Luke 9:23 (Cross carrying, Mat 7:13 (Narrow path). Depending, Obeying, Trusting, him alone and fully.
- Not just a lender of the last resort.
For following Him exclusively?
LORD…… MY LORD….. MY ONLY LORD
Lord of all or not Lord at all ( St Augustine )
Do we have demi-gods, favourite personalities, ‘direct’ channels
Many people try to find the pathway by the following:
Creed, Church membership, good moral character, good works, law keeping.
- The dream of the man who was building a ladder to heaven i.e. to the Father finally realised that he got nowhere in spite of all his good works etc. As he came tumbling down he woke up from his sleep and recalled the John 14:6 ...no one comes to the Father but by me.
WE FIND THE PATHWAY TO THE FATHER BY TRUSTING JESUS TO FORGIVE OUR SIN AND RECONCILE US TO THE FATHER.
Remember
- Jesus does not say ‘I show the way’ but ‘I am the way’
- Jesus is not ‘a way’ but ‘the way’
JOHN 14:6, 11
WHEN WE HAVE TRAVELED ALL WAYS ,
WE SHALL COME TO THE END OF ALL WAYS ,
WHO SAYS ‘I AM THE WAY’
St Andrew
Source: Vision 2000 – page 143