More on Jesus As The Way

Jesus says I am the way, the truth, and the life. What does this mean?

The early Christians were known as "the people of the way." This referred to their peculiar way of life. They practiced forgiveness and non-retaliation. They had also been instructed by Jesus to eliminate rivalry in their relationships with one another. Their only rivalry was to be rivals in their practice of love for, and servanthood to, one another.

This way of living together leads to truth. For in such a way of life, there is no attempt to manipulate the conversation. Neither is there manipulation of relationships within the community out of pride or defensiveness that obscures reality. Communities living such a life together liberate their members for life.

When rivalry or injury emerges, Jesus' way is forgiveness and reconciliation. These are two of the practical dimensions of the command that Jesus gives his followers to love one another.

Following this way is following Jesus. Following Jesus leads to the Father. Only this non-rivalrous, forgiving way of life leads to the Father.

Moreover this community lives this way not only within itself, but seeks to extend this way of life in its members' relations with neighbors. This way of life – in itself – is its proclamation. This way of life – in itself – is the invitation to others to participate in the kingdom that Jesus proclaims in his life, death, and resurrection.

In this sense, I affirm that Jesus is the way the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father but by him. For as the Apostle John proclaims, “God is love.” There is no WAY to love. LOVE is the way.