Growing up out in the country the kids in my neighborhood spent a lot of time riding bikes. We would ride up and down the surrounding roads, when we were older and braver all the way around the block.  For you city folks, around the block meant 4 miles. When we was older yet, there were trips back and forth to the nearby villages. It would not be uncommon to ride 10-20 miles just for fun on summer days.  (I don’t know if those kind of activities exist anymore.)

The roads, like this one, were familiar, well-traveled paths. We knew the way to any of the surrounding towns, friend’s houses, and corner stores where sweet treats could be purchased.

In John 14, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about His upcoming trip. He’s going HOME to be reunited with His Dad.  He knows exactly where to go and how to get there, but the boys do not. They’ve spent a few years now traveling around with Jesus during His ministry and there are many familiar paths, but none of them lead to Jesus’ Father.

So Thomas asked the obvious question, which way do we go?  Jesus said, I AM the way (the path).  That is a crazy answer, isn’t it? I’m sure Thomas thought so. He was looking for directions.  The things that people used before Google Maps came to be. Turn left at the big bush, and walk for 15 minutes until you see 3 flat rocks. You get the idea – directions.

Jesus’ answer did actually give directions,  spiritual directions.  The only way to get to the Father is through Me.  You have know me and follow me, and I’ll get you there.

Jesus goes on to state that not only is He the One and Only WAY, He is the One and Only TRUTH. He is the WORD made flesh. (John 1)  The WORD is the truth source by which we as Believers live.  Jesus is the WORD in human form. I know,  this is heady stuff to wrap our puny little brains around but read John 1, it’s in there.

One more “I Am” statement (there are actually 7 of them in total) is used by Jesus to finish this conversation.  I am the [One and Only] LIFE.  Literally Jesus’ claim is that I Am the only one, or I am the One and the Only One.

So Jesus says, “I Am the One and Only life”.  Remember, Jesus was and is and always will be.   He not only brought life into being, giving us physical life. (John 1) But He also laid down His life for us, so that we could have eternal life.

Jesus is the One and Only way to God, He’ll take you there.
Jesus is the One and Only source of Truth and righteousness. He leads us in the path of righteousness.
Jesus is the One and Only life giver, physical and spiritual. He give us life and abundant life.

If you don’t have a growing relationship with Him, I’d love to introduce you two. He is the One and Only friend you could ever want or need.