Jesus was radical, bold, persuasive, charismatic—and He saw the true motives of a person’s heart. He was active, prayerful, engaged, and unafraid to socialize with "sinners." Luke 15:1–2 says, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’” In other words: Who does He think He is, and how could He stoop so low?
Two powerful religious groups dominated the Jewish culture during Jesus’ time: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees were legalistic purists who had turned Judaism into a straitjacket of rules. The Sadducees, who controlled the Temple, rejected belief in angels and the resurrection.
Jesus called out both groups boldly. He called the Pharisees hypocrites for ignoring the Spirit of the Law (see Matthew 23:13–29). He accused the Sadducees of turning God’s Temple into a “den of robbers” (Mark 11:15–18). He didn’t stop there. Jesus publicly called them “hypocrites,” a “brood of vipers,” “whitewashed tombs,” “sons of hell,” and even children of the devil (John 8:44–47). Then He made a claim that drew a line in the sand: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
No Middle Ground
Jesus’ declaration in John 14:6 leaves no room for compromise. It’s either His way—or no way. How could He say that? Because He knew exactly who He was. He trusted the Father fully and confronted hypocrisy with unwavering courage. He forced the religious elite to make a choice: submit to God or kill Him.
They chose the latter.
Why? Because Jesus was a threat to their status, wealth, power, and influence. He humiliated them in public. He exposed their pride and selfish motives. Meanwhile, He loved and welcomed the “sinners”—those deemed unclean by society. The people followed Him and many believed He was the Messiah who would overthrow Rome. But the religious leaders saw Him as a dangerous threat and orchestrated His crucifixion.
The Most Controversial Claim Ever Made
Keith Krell, senior pastor at Fourth Memorial Church and professor at Moody Bible Institute, writes that John 14:6 is arguably the most politically incorrect religious claim ever made. His article on Bible.org explores the immense impact of Jesus’ words.
Here’s the core issue: “Jesus Christ is the only way to God.”
To many today, that statement sounds arrogant, intolerant, and offensive. In our culture, the greatest sin isn’t murder or theft—it’s claiming exclusive truth. In fact, a 2008 poll revealed that 57% of evangelical church attenders believed many religions could lead to eternal life. That’s not just disappointing—it’s devastating. No wonder so many churches are spiritually weak.
If Jesus is merely one of many paths, why bother sharing the gospel at all?
Jesus’ Exclusive Claim
In John 14:6, Jesus makes three absolute statements: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He uses the definite article “the”—not “a.” Jesus doesn’t just point the way—He is the Way. He doesn’t simply teach truth—He is the Truth. He doesn’t offer life—He is the Life.
There is no other path. You can’t get to God by being good, sincere, religious, or knowledgeable. You can’t earn your way through ceremony or tradition. Salvation is found in Jesus alone.
And the rest of the New Testament affirms this:
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Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else.”
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1 Timothy 2:5–6 – “There is one mediator… Christ Jesus.”
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Matthew 7:13–14 – The way is narrow, and few find it.
Christianity is narrow because salvation is spelled DONE, not DO. Jesus did the work—we simply receive it.
Why Should We Trust Jesus?
Let’s consider five reasons why Jesus' claim is trustworthy:
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He claimed to be God. No other religious founder ever made such a claim—not Muhammad, Buddha, Confucius, Abraham, or Moses.
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He performed miracles. The Gospel of John records seven signs that prove His divinity.
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He lived a sinless life. He never apologized, never sinned, and never contradicted Himself.
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He came to die. His mission was the cross—a voluntary, sacrificial death for humanity.
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He rose from the dead. The resurrection confirms everything. If He didn’t rise, Christianity collapses (1 Cor. 15). But He did!
These aren’t just theological talking points—they’re rooted in history and evidence. Yes, these arguments are circular. But when the church is biblically illiterate, we must return to Scripture and let the Word of God speak for itself.
How Do We Share This in a Culture That Rejects It?
Here are four principles that will help you share the exclusive gospel in an inclusive culture:
1. Establish Absolute Truth
Truth is narrow by nature. Two plus two equals four—always. No matter how many opinions say otherwise.
Relativism doesn’t hold up in real life. If your child had a terminal illness, would you accept a doctor who said, “Try anything—it all works”? Of course not. You’d want the cure.
When it comes to salvation, the Bible offers a clear diagnosis (sin) and the only cure (Jesus).
2. Affirm Christ’s Claim
We don’t believe Jesus is the only way because we’re intolerant. We believe it because He said it. We’re just the messengers.
Like a memo from your boss, we’re simply passing on what the King has spoken. It’s not up for negotiation. If we truly believe Jesus’ words, we must lovingly and boldly share them—even when it costs us.
Remember Matthew 5:10–12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
3. Learn from Other Faiths
You have two ears and one mouth—listen more than you speak.
Ask questions. Be curious. Learn from others. Affirm what you can without compromising truth. Showing respect doesn’t mean diluting the gospel.
A real example: I once spent hours talking with a Hindu man on a flight to England. By asking sincere questions and listening, I gained his trust—and he listened to the gospel. God uses relationships to open hearts.
4. Refuse to Be Intimidated
Christianity is often labeled intolerant, while other exclusive faiths are left unchallenged. But we must not be ashamed of the truth.
In Matthew 10, Jesus warns His disciples of persecution—but urges them to speak boldly, reminding them they are deeply valued by the Father. “Do not fear those who kill the body... but fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
If we deny Jesus before men, He will deny us before the Father (Matt. 10:32–33). The stakes are eternal.
Only Jesus. Jesus Only.
When it’s all said and done, Christianity is not about religion—it’s about Jesus. Strip away programs, music, and ministries—if Jesus isn’t central, we’ve missed the point.
My prayer is that my ministry, your faith, and our witness will boldly and clearly proclaim this truth: Only Jesus. Jesus only.
Adios for now,
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