John: One Way Out

John 14:1-14

In John 13-17, we access what I consider sacred ground. John provides us with a seat in the room where Jesus shares very personal spiritual conversations with his disciples just before the crucifixion. The interaction Jesus has with his disciples in this section is unique to John’s Gospel, aside from the prediction of Judas’ betrayal (Matt. 26:21-25) and Peter’s denials (Matt. 26:33-35; Mark 14:30).

In John 13, Jesus explained to his closest friends, who had been with him for three years, that he was going to a place where they could not follow. He also said that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed at the start of a new day. This was disheartening news. Peter was the bold, outspoken leader of the Twelve and had just said he would follow Jesus to death. Peter… deny Jesus? It was unsettling.

Jesus offers reassurance by saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1a). To these men who undoubtedly believed in God, Jesus asked them to trust him (John 14:1b). Then, he describes his destination.

John 14:2
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.

To clarify, Jesus was not leaving to build new homes in heaven. He was on his way to the cross. His substitutionary atonement, accomplished through the cross, was something only he could do.

This is easier for us to understand because we are on this side of the cross, but can you imagine how confusing it must have been for the disciples, who were still feeling excited from the triumphal entry? They thought Jesus’ coronation as king could happen at any time. So, when Jesus said, “And you know the way to where I am going” (John 14:4), Thomas replied:

John 14:5-6
“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.”

Let’s take a moment here. Christianity is both inclusive—“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Rom. 10:13—and exclusive—“No one comes to the Father except through me” John 14:6. The invitation is open to everyone... and there is only one door through which a person can enter. Jesus is the door, providing the only way to have a relationship with the living God.

Jesus isn't just a good way or one of many ways; he is the only way. He's the only way because he's the only one who is both fully man and fully God. As God, he's the only one who can pay the penalty for sins. As a human, he's the only one who could die in our place.

In clarifying his mission, Jesus reminded the disciples of his relationship with the Father. He said, “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:7). But Philip needed more proof. He said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us” (John 14:8).

In response to Philip’s request, Jesus emphasized that he was God in the flesh. When you see Jesus, you see the Father (John 14:9-10a). He reminded Philip and the other disciples that he spoke with the authority of the Father, and the works he performed were the evidence the Father used to prove that he is the Son of God (John 14:10b-11).

Jesus also assured his disciples that he would not leave them alone when he departed. He would send them the Holy Spirit. That’s what we’ll explore next time.

For now, let’s revisit Jesus’ statement from John 14:6—"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Let me offer a scenario to illustrate the magnitude of this statement.

Lori and I recently watched a gripping documentary about the bombing of the nine-story federal building in downtown Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. Part of the story features a woman named Amy, who was working on the third floor when the bomb went off. She survived the explosion but was buried alive under tons of concrete, twisted metal, and debris. She thought she was going to die, but then she heard voices from those searching for any survivors.

The severely damaged building was unstable and at risk of collapsing. The rescuers had to hurry to free Amy from the rubble that had trapped her. Can you imagine if Amy started arguing with her rescuers, “Only one way out? How narrow-minded of you! I don’t want to go that way! There must be many other ways out! In fact, I need to consider several options, and I’ll choose what works best for me.” 

Of course, that’s ridiculous! Amy’s gratitude toward her rescuers was beyond words. One of them held her hand tightly—the only part of her visible at first—as the others worked to free her from beneath the heavy wreckage. She was overjoyed when they finally succeeded in pulling her to safety.  

The question shouldn't be why there’s only one way to eternal safety with God. The amazing truth is that God has graciously provided the way—by the death of Jesus. Narrow-minded?? Hardly!!! What an act of sacrificial love!!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 14:1-14. Focus on the sacrificial love of Jesus to provide the way to God through his work on the cross. 

Talking to God: Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled,” and promised the Spirit would be with us forever. In what area of your life are you struggling to trust that Jesus is truly “the way, the truth, and the life”—and how might remembering his presence and promise through the Holy Spirit bring peace and rest in that area today?

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as we study God's Word together. Please submit your question below, and we'll reply shortly. Let us know if you’d like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you desire spiritual counsel. 

Know Jesus more intimately.
Love Jesus more passionately.
Follow Jesus wholeheartedly.