“Jesus said unto (Thomas), I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man (person) comes unto the Father but by me.”
Thomas wanted to know what Jesus meant when He said, “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” The text above is Jesus’ answer to Thomas and to us. What did Jesus mean that He was the way and no one could come to the “Father but by me”? Well…it means what it says. This seems awfully narrow, but I think it is a matter of perspective. It is the narrow way, but it is not the narrow-minded way. There is also a wideness that can be realized by those who have tried Him. Let me explain: The “Jesus way” is as wide as His love. Paul stated it succinctly in Ephesians 3:17-19: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length and depth, and height. 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with the fullness of God.” Then there is Romans 5:8: “But God commends His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I hope you got my point! If not, here is the point: Jesus loves all people and "is not willing that any should perish…” (2 Peter 3:9) The “Jesus way” is as wide as His arms. What do I mean? Let’s turn to Matthew 11:28 and see what it says: “Come unto me, all you that labor: and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…” The picture that this evokes in my mind is of Jesus standing on a hillside with His arms outstretched, inviting us to come to receive the rest and peace that only He can offer. It’s like Jesus is saying: “Come on in, there is room for you!!!” There were people in the Bible who found this to be true. There was Mary Magdalene who was possessed of seven demons, who was given His rest and peace. (Mark 16:9) There was the Gadarene demoniac, who referred to himself as “Legion” because he had so many demons in him, but was set free by Jesus. (Mark 5:1-19) Surely, we can find this rest promised in Matthew 11:28. The “Jesus way” is as wide as the willingness of Jesus. I have already alluded to 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise (of His coming), as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…” This promise includes you no matter how many times you have let Him (and yourself) down, Jesus will still bring you to repentance and to salvation. If you come to Jesus by faith, you will not find Him unwilling to forgive you. Now, stop and praise Jesus for the width of His love, His arms, and His willingness. Do it! Bro. Joe
2 Comments
Neal
10/20/2016 12:41:48 pm
Hey Bro Joe,
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tommie collins
10/20/2016 01:27:57 pm
This is a true statement !!! Jesus. Is th e only way!!! Amen!!!
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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