Introduction to Jesus, The Way - Part Two

Jesus, The Way
Introducing Jesus As The Way - Part Two

In the previous lesson we introduced Jesus as the way to a better life and the way to forgiveness of sin. But to be truly happy, we need more than just the forgiveness of sins; we need to be restored to the close union with God which we lost by our sins.

In this also, Jesus is our answer, for He is...THE WAY TO GOD
Many religions, claiming to be Christian, are almost totally silent about the new relationship Jesus provides with God, the Father. About all they seem to talk about is "Jesus, Jesus, etc." or "Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, etc." Could this indicate a lack of real understanding of Jesus’ purpose?
Jesus came to this world to reconcile man back to God the Father. As Paul told the Corinthians: "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

As we have already noted, Jesus claimed to be the only way to the Father: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
Why emphasize this point? Because one does not truly experience what it means to have "eternal life" without having an intimate relationship with the Father, as well as with the Son. And this is exactly what Jesus has to offer us! As He mentioned in His prayer before His trial and crucifixion: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:1-3) Yes, that "eternal life" Jesus offers to us includes "knowing" the Father as well as the Son! The way to a better life, the way to forgiveness of sins, the way to God...what wonderful blessings!

But there is more. Jesus is also...THE WAY OUT OF RELIGIOUS CONFUSION
Consider the plight of many who wish to follow Jesus. They are confused and even repelled by the multitude of different churches and conflicting doctrines being offered by those who profess to be His church. But one does not have to be a part of this confusion! Jesus Himself certainly does not approve it. He taught us that: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25)
Before His betrayal and arrest, we find Jesus praying fervently... "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (John 17:20-23)

How can we even begin to hope to have this unity of which Jesus spoke? It helps to remember that Jesus promised to build His church: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)
Despite the efforts of man and Satan to destroy it, or otherwise change it, they shall not prevail! Even today, when someone obeys the words of Jesus Christ, they are added by the Lord Himself to His church: "...praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)

In His church, we can enjoy the unity of which Paul wrote to the Ephesians... "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:4-6) But finding His church and enjoying this unity is experienced only as we follow Jesus as the way out of religious confusion.

Finally, let me point out that Jesus is...THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE
Death is inevitable (unless Jesus returns first), and as the author of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote, it is followed by judgment: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," (Hebrews 9:27)

In this way, death becomes the door, either to eternal life or to eternal condemnation. In His description of the Judgment scene, Jesus outlines only two alternatives... "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46)
To die in Jesus is to die in the way to life eternal! As the apostle John wrote in the book of Revelation: Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." (Revelation 14:13)

Yet another wonderful blessing in following Jesus as "The Way", is to find that He is the way to eternal life! I hope that I have sparked your interest in wanting to learn more about Jesus as "The Way". As I mentioned at the outset of this study, the other lessons will elaborate upon these great blessings provided only through Jesus. My purpose in this series is twofold...
w For those who are Christians, to increase their appreciation of Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so they will want to serve Him with greater zeal;
w For those who are not Christians, to encourage them to let Jesus be their way to everything that is truly good, both in this life and in the life to come!

This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for church or personal use. The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2002