Session 6: I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life
To download the guide for this week, use the link below.
Opening
Saying goodbye to someone we care about is difficult and often emotional. When we know we’re leaving and may not see someone again for a while, we try to share words that are important. That is what Jesus is doing in John 14 as he speaks with his disciples as he prepares to leave them.
Optional Ice Breaker – Have a couple people share a time when someone was leaving and said words that were important and meaningful.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:1-6 (New Revised Standard Version
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
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, so that where I am, there you may be also.
And you know the way to the place 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.
Key Verse:
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
Discussion Questions
1. What do you find comforting about the words of Jesus in John 14:1-6?
2. Is there anything you find uncomfortable or disturbing? If so, what?
3. Is it possible that John wants us to be comforted and uncomfortable at the same time? Why might he desire that kind of response?
Jesus as the Way
Jesus spoke about going the way himself before he spoke about being the way for others. When Jesus speaks in John 13:33, 36 about “where I am going” – he is referring to both his destination and his route.
Destination: Have someone read John 13:33-36
Jesus states twice, “Where I am going, you cannot come or follow.” Jesus’ destination refers to the fact that he is returning to the Father (John 7:33-34). John 13:1, 3 also declare that Jesus came from God and is going to God.
4. In John 14:1, Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Why do you think he says that considering his destination and the route he must take? What is “the way” Jesus is referring to?
Route:
The route Jesus will take to his destination is his passion – the betrayal, arrest, Peter’s denial, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
The disciples don’t understand the way of Jesus prior to the passion as Thomas makes clear by objecting, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (14:5).
The word “Way” (Greek hodos) can refer to a paved road, a dirt path, or a way of life. Describing a life of faith as a way to be followed is a common image in the Bible. The Scriptures call obedience to God the way of truth (Psalm 86:11; 119:30), which brings life rather than death (Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 15:24; Jeremiah 21:8).[1]
[1] *There are a host of “way” verses at the end of your pages for you to read at your convenience.
Read the following aloud in the group:
Truth is an important word in John’s Gospel.
The prologue sets the stage for who Jesus is and what he comes to share.
John 1:14,17:
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory; the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
If we live as Jesus’ disciples we will experience the truth of his words and the freedom that comes from living his way.
“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:32
The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of truth:
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
John 16:13
Jesus prays we will know God’s truth:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:17
Finally, during his trial, Jesus has the following exchange with Pilate:
“Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
John 18:37
5. Why is truth important to Jesus and to the writer of the fourth gospel? Why is truth important truth to you, to healthy relationships, to a church and to society?
Life
Have you noticed that underneath the I am sayings of Jesus the one word that keeps coming up is Life?
Week 1 – “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35
Week 2 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Week 3 – “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Week 4 “I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:15
Week 5 “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” John 11:25
Week 6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6
Jesus talks about it in a lot of different ways but what Jesus is trying to give us is Life – eternal, abundant, joyful life in relationship with Jesus, God, and the Spirit of truth.
6. Thinking about this “I am” saying of Jesus and the previous ones, what kind of life is Jesus trying to give us? How would you describe it to someone who isn’t a follower of Christ? What is it like?
7. What will you take away from this “I am” saying as you go your “way” through the rest of the week?
Prayer:
Jesus we thank you that you were willing to go the way of the cross for us and we thank you almighty God for raising Jesus to life. Help us to follow Jesus in his way of self-sacrificing love, enable us to live according to his truth, thankful that we can trust and rely upon your word. Finally we humbly rejoice that you have graciously provided for all of us the gift of life we all are seeking – life that even conquers death. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Way” Verses- NRSV
Joshua 1:8: The book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, & then you shall be successful.
Psalm 5:8: Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
Psalm 18:30-32: This God-his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock beside our God?- the God who girded me with strength and made my way safe.
Psalm 25:8-9,12: Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way. Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose.
Psalm 27:11: Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Psalm 37:5: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 67:1-2: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.
Psalm 139:24: See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Isaiah 30:21, 48:17: And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it”. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go.
Jeremiah 7:23: But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.”
Ephesians 2:10: For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.