Related Message
This spring, we’re entering into a new season of Sundays in our new series, Asked, seven weeks of opportunities to invite our friends who don’t yet know Jesus. So, how do we—the church community—reflect on this season? By rediscovering who Jesus is… to us. For the next eight weeks, in this space we will intentionally reflect on the seven “I AM” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, discovering Jesus as the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Gate; the Good Shepherd; the Resurrection; the Way, Truth, and Life; and the True Vine. As we do, we will discover who we are when we are in him. That’s how we’ll use this season to… Reflect.
Contemplating "the way, the truth and the life"...
How would you complete the following sentences:
"If Jesus is the way, I am ."
"If Jesus is the truth, I am ."
"If Jesus is the life, I am ."
Take some time this week to consider interviewing friends, family, co-workers, or even yourself. Ask some or all of the following questions.
- What is the "way" that you have embraced? What "way" are you traveling? Do others travel this "way"? What kind of people? Would you encourage others to walk the same "way" that you are walking?
- What is the "truth" about Jesus that you've seen? Would you make decisions based on that "truth"? Do you feel that you are walking in the "truth"? Do you know when you are not walking in "truth"?
- Would you say that your "life" resonates with what you see in Jesus? Would you say that what you learn about or experience in Jesus gives you "life"?
What is "The Way"?
Consider the following uses of the phrase "The Way":
-
Have you ever used or heard someone else use the phrase, “Oh I’m just [some personality trait] ” to justify a behavior, either positive or negative? - Lady Gaga’s song Born This Way suggests that each person should be proud of and accepted just the way they are. What are your thoughts on this?
- The Way, as described in Acts 9:2, refers to the community of believers that was established once Jesus ascended into Heaven. The life and teachings of Jesus was the basis for the community and it was empowered by the Holy Spirit.
As you consider these uses of “The Way” to describe what kind of people we are, ask yourself...
- How do these perspectives on "The Way" relate to your sense of personal freedom? Do any grant personal freedom? Do any impose limitations on personal freedom? Do any communicate personal responsibility within that freedom? How?
- What is the controlling or driving force in each of the three examples? How would you finish the sentence, "This is example demonstrates 'the way' to..."?
Ask God if there are any beliefs or behaviors that you have excused that might need to be examined and dealt with in light of Jesus as The Way.
The Way...
Think of a situation in your own life where you should follow a set of instructions to in order to do something, complete a task. Here are some scenarios:
- You have bought a piece of furniture from Ikea. What has been your experience of following those confusing drawings in order to put it together?
- You visit St. Jacobs and observe the “way of life” of the Mennonite community in that area. What words would you use to describe their way of life?
- You are on a road trip, your GPS battery has run down and you forgot to pack the cord that connects it to the car. How likely are you to stop and ask for directions? To just "keep driving"?
In what situations or circumstances do you find it most difficult to follow a certain way of doing things? Why do you think this is so?
Finding Our Way...
Take some time this week to hike with some friends. Consider agreeing on a central meeting point in short hills, and then have each person walk a different path to get to that central meeting point. Each person will likely have to start in a different spot. When you meet together...
- Share your journey of what you saw or felt on the way.
- Debrief this experience in relation to your spiritual journey, especially in community.
