In the “Let’s Be Clear” series, we are teaching what the Bible clearly says on controversial topics regarding the Church today. The big idea for this series is this: Clarity is the answer to confusion.
In the Bible, we see that Jesus Christ Himself was not clever or coy. He was unambiguous about His identity and mission. Week six unveiled the big idea that Jesus is the one pathway back to a relationship with God.
Sermon Recap: The Pathway to the Father’s House
This week we delved into John 14:1-6:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Verse one begins with, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Jesus’ disciples were troubled because Jesus predicted His death, and they were wrestling with what it meant that Jesus would be going away from them. Is your heart troubled today? Is it heavy, distraught, or dismayed? If so, Jesus points to heaven as a remedy for the troubled heart. If you’re troubled today, lift your eyes from the next 24 hours and onto the next 24,000 years.
As you lift your eyes to heaven, consider verses 2 and 3, describing the Father’s house. It will be incredible—many rooms, streets of gold, and no more tears. Yet, God dwelling with us in heaven is what will make it great—Father, Son, and Spirit—every day, moment, and breath. What a glorious day it will be!
While this picture is beautiful, we must recognize the rub here. We are not naturally destined for the Father’s house because of sin. If we were, there would be no need to find our way back to Him! Here is one point where the major world religions agree: there is something wrong with us, and our sin creates a disconnect with God. However, the Christian faith takes a turn the others never take, and that is that you don’t work your way back to God. God took the initiative and worked His way back to you! Look again at verse 6:
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
If you could get back to God on your own, Jesus wouldn’t call Himself the way. It’s vital to note: Jesus doesn’t call Himself “A way”; He calls Himself “THE way!” Despite cultural resistance to exclusivity, Christianity is distinct. However, the gospel is the most inclusive of all exclusive belief claims. Anyone can come in, but all must come the same way—through the blood of the cross.
Application: Trust Jesus as Your Pathway to God!
God is holy, and in our sin, we all deserve separation and death. We deserve hell, but instead of making us climb a mountain, God descended for us. So, what will it be for you today? Move from questioning the exclusivity to seeing the beauty of the gospel. Lay down religious striving, trust Jesus as your pathway to God, and find comfort in His promise of eternal rest in His home!
-Andrew Hopper (Lead Pastor)
Watch the full sermon from week six here!
Additional Resources:
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Quereshi
Faith Comes by Hearing by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson
What Can Be Known About God: Rom 1:18-23
