Our scripture this morning is John 14:6 (NRSV).
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 13 -17 is sometimes called the Farewell Discourse, a series of final teachings from Jesus to His disciples. In that time and culture, it was customary for a patriarch or teacher to address those closest to them as they prepared to die. Jesus has spoken to them about what is to happen, but most did not understand or rejected the idea. Now they begin to see what Jesus will do for us, but they are still confounded by the circumstances.
In John 14:6 Jesus states plainly what He has taught all along: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is what infuriated the religious leaders, the idea that everyone could come to God freely with no need for their “professional” intercession. Jesus is the ultimate Intercessor for all of humanity.
Jesus teaches us that we are all God’s children, worthy of love and salvation when we repent and claim Him as Lord. We are invited to a personal relationship with God through Jesus. There is no other way for us to be forgiven.
Heavenly Father, forgive us our disobedient pride, thinking there is some other way to be saved from our sins that we can accomplish. Only the blood of Christ can wash us clean and redeem us for You. Bless us to share Your love and care, telling the Good News everywhere. Amen.
