Jesus makes a bold claim in this passage, saying he is the way, the truth, and the life. He’s the only one who can lead people to God the Father.

Many people today disagree with this. They argue that it’s wrong to make such an exclusive claim because spiritual truth is ultimately unknowable for us.

In this passage, Jesus makes it hard to stand in the “mushy middle” when it comes to Chris­tianity. Each person who reads John 14 must make a deci­sion to accept or reject Jesus’ claim. Following Christ is ­either the one true way to know God, or it’s not.

For some of us, this either-or choice may seem extreme. But as we consider Jesus’ words, it’s helpful to remember that he makes this statement while he is preparing to go to the cross. He knows he will be arrested this very night and be crucified the next day. Jesus is comforting his disciples in the face of his impending death by reminding them of the truth.

As he gets ready to die, Jesus wants his friends to have the assurance that he and they are doing the right thing. He will give up his life on the cross in order to open the way for us to have full life with God forever. No matter what happens over the coming days, he wants them to know that if they believe in him, they can trust that they will be with him forever.