About the Way |
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by Whitney V. Myers
Original 19April2018, Updated 31July2019
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' " (John 14:6).
This article describes the way of God as taught in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father and to the Father's heavenly dwelling place. Jesus asks us to believe (trust) in him. Jesus invites us to follow him on the way.
Original 19April2018, Updated 31July2019
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' " (John 14:6).
This article describes the way of God as taught in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father and to the Father's heavenly dwelling place. Jesus asks us to believe (trust) in him. Jesus invites us to follow him on the way.
I remember a conversation I had about Christ with a colleague at work in the early 1980s. He did not see his need for Christ. He said that he was trying to "live a good life" and that God would "grade on a curve." I believe my work colleague was mistaken.
Consider the rich young ruler who asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17, italics added). The rich young ruler told Jesus that he had kept the ten commandments (Mark 10:18-20). The Bible says that Jesus loved him, and invited the young man to "Come, follow Me." However, the young man was saddened, and went away grieving (Mark 10:21-22).
Consider the rich young ruler who asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17, italics added). The rich young ruler told Jesus that he had kept the ten commandments (Mark 10:18-20). The Bible says that Jesus loved him, and invited the young man to "Come, follow Me." However, the young man was saddened, and went away grieving (Mark 10:21-22).
Come explore with me what the Bible says about the "the way." Then we will consider our response to Jesus when he says that he is the way to the Father.
What Does "The Way" Mean in the Old Testament?
Lake Needwood Trail, Maryland - Photo by Whitney V. Myers
The main Hebrew word for "way" in the Old Testament is derek. Derek means "way, road, distance, journey, manner" (Ref. 1). The "way of the Lord" was a concept familiar to Jesus' Jewish listeners. Let's look at example verses in the Old Testament.
God instructed the Israelites to keep God's commandments by walking in his way. Deuteronomy 5:33; Deuteronomy 8:6; Deuteronomy 10:12; Isaiah 30:19-21; Jeremiah 6:16; Hosea 14:9
God instructed parents to teach their children the way of the Lord. Genesis 18:17-19; Proverbs 22:6
God instructed the Israelites to make God's way known among all nations. Psalm 67:1-2
Knowing God and God's ways are key to finding God's favor. Exodus 33:12-13
God goes before his followers to show them the way. Exodus 13:21
David asked God to "Teach me Thy way, O Lord." That is an excellent example for us to follow. Psalm 27:11; Psalm 25:4-5
God instructed the Israelites to keep God's commandments by walking in his way. Deuteronomy 5:33; Deuteronomy 8:6; Deuteronomy 10:12; Isaiah 30:19-21; Jeremiah 6:16; Hosea 14:9
God instructed parents to teach their children the way of the Lord. Genesis 18:17-19; Proverbs 22:6
God instructed the Israelites to make God's way known among all nations. Psalm 67:1-2
Knowing God and God's ways are key to finding God's favor. Exodus 33:12-13
God goes before his followers to show them the way. Exodus 13:21
David asked God to "Teach me Thy way, O Lord." That is an excellent example for us to follow. Psalm 27:11; Psalm 25:4-5
What Does "Way" Mean in the New Testament?
The main Greek word for "way" in the New Testament is hodos (Ref. 2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon describes the principal definitions of hodos as follows (Ref. 2):
Begin One Way Sign - Gettysburg National Military Park - Photo by Whitney V. Myers
A traveled way, road. Matthew 2:12; Matthew 7:13-14; Acts 8:26; Acts 26:13
A traveler's way, journey. Mark 8:27; Acts 8:39
A way (manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding. Acts 2:28; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Acts 16:16-17; Acts 18:24-26; James 5:20; 2 Peter 2:2. In Acts 16:17, a demon-possessed slave-girl accurately identifies the "way of salvation." In Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila explain the "way of God" more accurately to Apollos.
The name for Christianity in the early church. Acts 9:1-2; Acts 19:9; Acts 19:23; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14; Acts 24:22. When Paul spoke before the Felix the Governor, Paul stated that he was a part of "the Way which they call a sect" (Acts 24:14). Felix had "accurate knowledge of the Way" (Acts 24:22).
Many believers today may not know that in the Book of Acts "The Way" was more widely known than the term, "Christian." In the early church, believers in Christ were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26).
The Greek word for "Christian" is Christianos, which means "a follower of Christ" (Ref. 3).
In comparison to "The Way," which is mentioned several times in Acts (refer to the above references), "Christian" (Christianos) is mentioned only three times in the entire New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) (Ref. 3).
A traveler's way, journey. Mark 8:27; Acts 8:39
A way (manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding. Acts 2:28; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Acts 16:16-17; Acts 18:24-26; James 5:20; 2 Peter 2:2. In Acts 16:17, a demon-possessed slave-girl accurately identifies the "way of salvation." In Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila explain the "way of God" more accurately to Apollos.
The name for Christianity in the early church. Acts 9:1-2; Acts 19:9; Acts 19:23; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14; Acts 24:22. When Paul spoke before the Felix the Governor, Paul stated that he was a part of "the Way which they call a sect" (Acts 24:14). Felix had "accurate knowledge of the Way" (Acts 24:22).
Many believers today may not know that in the Book of Acts "The Way" was more widely known than the term, "Christian." In the early church, believers in Christ were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26).
The Greek word for "Christian" is Christianos, which means "a follower of Christ" (Ref. 3).
In comparison to "The Way," which is mentioned several times in Acts (refer to the above references), "Christian" (Christianos) is mentioned only three times in the entire New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) (Ref. 3).
Introduction to John 14:1-6 -- Who Is Jesus?
First, let's consider the occasion. Jesus was speaking to his beloved disciples the night he was betrayed, before his death. Jesus had just told the disciples that he is about to leave them (John 13:3-4; John 13:33). Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward” (John 13:36).
Let's also consider who Jesus is. The one speaking to his disciples is:
Let's also consider who Jesus is. The one speaking to his disciples is:
- The begotten and only Son of God (Luke 1:31; Luke 1:35; John 3:16)
- The visible image of God (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3)
- Fully God and fully human (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9)
- One with the Father (John 10:30)
- The same God who appeared to Moses and said, "I AM" (John 8:58; Exodus 3:1-6; Exodus 3:13-14)
Nags Head Sunrise with John 14:1 - Photo by Whitney V. Myers
What Does Jesus Teach Us About the Way in John 14:1-6?
Now, let's read together each verse in John 14:1-6 and consider some of the key word definitions. This approach will give us context for Jesus' statement in John 14:6 that he is "the way."
John 14:1. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me."
The remedy for a troubled heart is to believe in Jesus. Jesus had just told his disciples that he was about to leave them (John 13:33). Naturally, the disciples' hearts were troubled. The Greek word for "troubled" is tarasso, which means to "disturb, agitate, stir up, trouble" (Ref. 4).
The Greek word for "believe" is pisteuo, which means have faith in, trust in (Ref. 5) (John 3:16).
As the remedy for their troubled heart, Jesus invited each of his disciples to believe in him.
As the remedy for our troubled heart, Jesus asks us to do the same - to believe in him.
John 14:1. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me."
The remedy for a troubled heart is to believe in Jesus. Jesus had just told his disciples that he was about to leave them (John 13:33). Naturally, the disciples' hearts were troubled. The Greek word for "troubled" is tarasso, which means to "disturb, agitate, stir up, trouble" (Ref. 4).
The Greek word for "believe" is pisteuo, which means have faith in, trust in (Ref. 5) (John 3:16).
As the remedy for their troubled heart, Jesus invited each of his disciples to believe in him.
As the remedy for our troubled heart, Jesus asks us to do the same - to believe in him.
John 14:2. "In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."
There is plenty of room in heaven for believers. The Greek word for house in John 14:2 is oikia, which means "inhabited dwelling" (Ref. 6). Jesus is describing the Father's inhabited dwelling place.
Strong's Concordance states that oikia (house) in John 14:2 refers to heaven (Ref. 6). The Old Testament also describes God's dwelling place as heaven (Deuteronomy 26:15; 1 Kings 8:30).
According to John 14:2, God is not the only one who dwells in heaven.
Jesus said, "In My Father's house (oikia, heaven), are many "dwelling places." The Greek word for "dwelling places" is mone. HELPS Word-studies defines mone as "individual dwellings" (Ref. 7). Strong's Concordance defines mone as "lodging, dwelling-place, room, abode, mansion" (Ref. 7).
There is plenty of room in heaven for believers. The Greek word for house in John 14:2 is oikia, which means "inhabited dwelling" (Ref. 6). Jesus is describing the Father's inhabited dwelling place.
Strong's Concordance states that oikia (house) in John 14:2 refers to heaven (Ref. 6). The Old Testament also describes God's dwelling place as heaven (Deuteronomy 26:15; 1 Kings 8:30).
According to John 14:2, God is not the only one who dwells in heaven.
Jesus said, "In My Father's house (oikia, heaven), are many "dwelling places." The Greek word for "dwelling places" is mone. HELPS Word-studies defines mone as "individual dwellings" (Ref. 7). Strong's Concordance defines mone as "lodging, dwelling-place, room, abode, mansion" (Ref. 7).
Cross in the Sky at Sunrise - Montgomery College, Rockvile, Maryland - Photo by Whitney V. Myers
John 14:3. "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."
Jesus provides the way to heaven at Jesus' initiative.
John uses the Greek word paralambano for "receive." Paralambano means "to take (receive) by showing strong personal initiative" (Ref. 8).
That is why we don't get to heaven by the works we do ourselves, or by "trying to live a good life" without Christ. (Refer to my work colleague and the rich young ruler at the beginning of this article.) Jesus has provided the pathway to heaven at his initiative, not ours (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus provides the way to heaven at Jesus' initiative.
John uses the Greek word paralambano for "receive." Paralambano means "to take (receive) by showing strong personal initiative" (Ref. 8).
That is why we don't get to heaven by the works we do ourselves, or by "trying to live a good life" without Christ. (Refer to my work colleague and the rich young ruler at the beginning of this article.) Jesus has provided the pathway to heaven at his initiative, not ours (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus had just told his disciples where he was going - to the Father's house (John 14:2).
Jesus said to his disciples that they should know the way he was going. The Greek word for "know" in John 14 verses 4 and 5 is eido. Eido means "to see with physical eyes, as it naturally bridges to the metaphorical sense: perceiving ('mentally seeing'). This is akin to the expressions: 'I see what You mean'; 'I see what you are saying' " (Ref. 9).
Jesus had previously told his disciples about the way (hodos - road) he was going to the Father. "From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day" (Matthew 16:21).
"Christ alone is the way to true and everlasting life, for it is he in whom the Father has revealed himself" (Geneva Study Bible).
Do you know the way of Jesus to the dwelling place of our heavenly Father?
Jesus said to his disciples that they should know the way he was going. The Greek word for "know" in John 14 verses 4 and 5 is eido. Eido means "to see with physical eyes, as it naturally bridges to the metaphorical sense: perceiving ('mentally seeing'). This is akin to the expressions: 'I see what You mean'; 'I see what you are saying' " (Ref. 9).
Jesus had previously told his disciples about the way (hodos - road) he was going to the Father. "From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day" (Matthew 16:21).
"Christ alone is the way to true and everlasting life, for it is he in whom the Father has revealed himself" (Geneva Study Bible).
Do you know the way of Jesus to the dwelling place of our heavenly Father?
John 14:5. Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?'
It is perfectly OK for us to ask God questions when when do not understand, and when we truly want to know God's answer.
Thomas boldly asked Jesus a question. At that time, Thomas did not fully see, perceive, or understand what Jesus was saying about the way.
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:5-6).
Jesus revealed himself again to Thomas after Jesus' resurrection. Then Thomas believed in Jesus. Then Thomas acknowledged Jesus as "my Lord and my God" (John 20:26-29).
It is perfectly OK for us to ask God questions when when do not understand, and when we truly want to know God's answer.
Thomas boldly asked Jesus a question. At that time, Thomas did not fully see, perceive, or understand what Jesus was saying about the way.
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:5-6).
Jesus revealed himself again to Thomas after Jesus' resurrection. Then Thomas believed in Jesus. Then Thomas acknowledged Jesus as "my Lord and my God" (John 20:26-29).
Copyright: leonidtit / 123RF Stock Photo
Majestic Sunset - Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine - 123RF photo - with John 14:6
John 14:6. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.' "
The eternal Jesus Christ is the road, the path, the journey to the Father, and to the Father's dwelling place, heaven.
Jesus is eternal. Jesus Christ is the same "I AM" that appeared to Moses in the burning bush (John 8:58; Exodus 3:6; Exodus 3:14).
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
The eternal Jesus Christ is the road, the path, the journey to the Father, and to the Father's dwelling place, heaven.
Jesus is eternal. Jesus Christ is the same "I AM" that appeared to Moses in the burning bush (John 8:58; Exodus 3:6; Exodus 3:14).
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Jesus is the way. Jesus is the road, and the journey to the destination. Jesus invites us to follow him to the destination.
The Greek word for "follow" is akoloutheó. Akoloutheó means to be in the same way with, that is, to accompany as a disciple (Ref. 10).
In regard to the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life: "Looking at him, Jesus felt a love (high regard, compassion) for him, and He said to him, “You lack one thing: go and sell all your property and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have [abundant] treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk]” (Mark 10:21).
The Greek word for "follow" is akoloutheó. Akoloutheó means to be in the same way with, that is, to accompany as a disciple (Ref. 10).
In regard to the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life: "Looking at him, Jesus felt a love (high regard, compassion) for him, and He said to him, “You lack one thing: go and sell all your property and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have [abundant] treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk]” (Mark 10:21).
Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, to the Father's dwelling place, heaven. Jesus is the only way to the Father because only Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin.
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18, bold added).
"But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
"For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18, bold added).
"But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
"For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
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Man Praying - Photo: 123RF
Our Response to Jesus
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).
What is your response to Jesus? Are you ready to believe in him? Are you willing to follow him to our heavenly destination?
If you do not already trust in Jesus, then I encourage you to pray through these steps in your own words.
Believe in Jesus.
Now that you have put your trust in Jesus, I encourage you to:
What is your response to Jesus? Are you ready to believe in him? Are you willing to follow him to our heavenly destination?
If you do not already trust in Jesus, then I encourage you to pray through these steps in your own words.
Believe in Jesus.
- Confess your sins to Jesus. Thank Jesus for forgiving your sins (1 John 1:9).
- Put your trust in Jesus. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16). Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
- Ask Jesus to teach you, to lead you, and to help you follow him faithfully (Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 27:11; Proverbs 16:9; John 16:13)
Now that you have put your trust in Jesus, I encourage you to:
- Read your Bible daily to learn more about God. You may want to start by reading one of the gospel accounts such as Mark or John. The Holy Spirit will teach you as you read the Scriptures (John 16:13).
- Seek out a local body of believers where you can worship, fellowship, and learn by receiving good teaching about God's inspired word, the Bible. Some churches may offer a special teaching class for new believers.
References
1. http://biblehub.com/hebrew/1870.htm
2. http://biblehub.com/greek/3598.htm
3. http://biblehub.com/greek/5546.htm
4. http://biblehub.com/greek/5015.htm
5. http://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
6. http://biblehub.com/greek/3614.htm
7. http://biblehub.com/greek/3438.htm
8. http://biblehub.com/greek/3880.htm
9. http://biblehub.com/greek/1492.htm
10. http://biblehub.com/greek/190.htm
1. http://biblehub.com/hebrew/1870.htm
2. http://biblehub.com/greek/3598.htm
3. http://biblehub.com/greek/5546.htm
4. http://biblehub.com/greek/5015.htm
5. http://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
6. http://biblehub.com/greek/3614.htm
7. http://biblehub.com/greek/3438.htm
8. http://biblehub.com/greek/3880.htm
9. http://biblehub.com/greek/1492.htm
10. http://biblehub.com/greek/190.htm
Copyright 2018 - 2023 Whitney V. Myers
