M. Scott Peck wrote: “one of the characteristics of evil is its desire to confuse.”* That makes sense. Jesus calls Satan the “father of lies” (John 8:44). If we’re always confused and distracted and spinning, we are unable to stand firm on God our Rock and live in a way which is consistent with his truth and love.

I’m not saying you won’t experience confusion some of the time. But it shouldn’t be all of the time.

These are certainly confusing times. There are a million choices before us. We can get confused about how to use our time and live our lives. There is also moral confusion. And there is information confusion too. Increasingly, many people aren’t sure who they can trust when it comes to getting accurate news about what is happening in the world.

Enter Jesus.

For centuries, his words have given comfort and clarity. They have also been the source of controversy: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

I’m going to focus on this verse for the next few devotionals. Today, let me just say this. In a confusing world, Jesus cuts through the fog with clarity and compassion.

Let’s say you’re a child. On the other side of a foggy field there are three doors. One leads to a wonderful pasture with a picnic and friends. The second door leads to a dangerous and dark forest with wild beasts. The final door opens to a cliff. 

What if your parent (who knew all of this) said: “Take whatever door you want, they’re all the same.” Would that be loving? No, it wouldn’t. Ultimately, it will be the child’s choice. But the parent gives wisdom and guidance because they know how things really are and want what’s best for them.

This is a big topic. If you want, you can link below to a sermon I delivered on this same verse which explains more. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that God loves you too much to lie to you. He comes to us personally in Jesus with a trustworthy word of clarity and compassion in confusing times. ‘Thank you, God!’

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

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Notes:

–“Exclusive Inclusion: Is Jesus the only Way?” New sermon. December 11, 2022. Click here. You can also find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (published on December 12, 2022).

–*M. Scott Peck, People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil (New York: Touchstone, 1983), 179. 

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.