Jesus uses the expression, the way in John 14:6, referring to the way to God the Father. Luke adds to Jesus’ words in Acts 4:12 inferring that salvation is found in only one name, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The apostle Paul takes this one step further, in his letter to the teenage pastor, Timothy. According to 1 Timothy 2:5, there is one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ.
Prior to his conversion, Saul persecuted anyone who was known to follow the Way, Acts 9:2. Steven was one of Saul’ victims, yet even in his death depicted in Acts 7:54-60, Stephen demonstrated the Way. Stephen last words are nearly identical to Jesus’ last words on the cross, Luke 23:34. After his conversion, Paul during his trial before Felix in Acts 24:14 confesses to be a follower of the Way.
Unfortunately, the Way has been cheapened, perverted and watered down. Today, the Way is introduced as prosperity, the end of all suffering and a self help guide to life. In reality, the simplicity of the Way, following in the footsteps of Jesus, has been over analyzed and under demonstrated by leaders. What would Jesus do if he entered the Christian church today? Jesus would likely remind people of his words in Matthew 18:1-9, if you want to follow the Way, humble yourself and have a faith like a child, who unswervingly trusts their father. Show others the way by bearing spiritual fruit, John 15:8.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 