We want to have clear views about what Jesus actually said, what He taught. Our entire world history, salvation, goal and life centers on Jesus Christ. In fact, all of the cosmos, the entire universe depends upon Jesus Christ. We will look at What Jesus Says About Himself. In this passage two verses stand out, v. 6 and v. 9! He makes some astonishing claims and says something important about Himself.
Way to what? Jesus speaks of "where I am going" in v. 4 and then in v. 6 Jesus speaks of coming to the Father through Him ("No one comes to the Father except through me."). He is the way to the Place ("Father's House") and to the Person (the Father). That is, Jesus is the way to heaven and to God!!!
Jesus also says, "I am the Truth." What does that mean? In 1:9, we read that Jesus is "the true light" (1:9); He is "full of grace and truth" (1:14).
Jesus also says that He is THE LIFE! What does that mean? We read, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." (1:4) Life comes through Him as he sustains life, gives abundant life ("I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." 10:10), gives eternal life (Jn. 3:16; 10:28, I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.).
Philip says, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus' answer is again astonishing, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." Notice what he said in v. 7, "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Everything you need to know about God can be seen, learned in and through Jesus. |
