The Pastor Who Couldn't Find the Post Office – But Jesus Knows the Only Way to Heaven!
The new pastor in town asked a young boy standing on the corner, “Can you tell me how to get to the post office?” The boy replied, “Just up this street and to the left sir.” The pastor thanked the boy and added, “If you are still here when I come back, I’ll tell you how to get to heaven!” “That’s amazing” said the boy, “You don’t even know how to get to the post office!” That pastor needed the opportunity to establish his credibility. Famous quotes like the one above are often evaluated based on the author. Sometimes a quote is attributed to various authors. It is hard however imagining anyone other than Jesus making this statement. Could anyone imagine even Buddha, Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Martin Luther, or Abraham making such a claim? None of these famous leaders had the credibility to make such a claim.
Establishing Credibility in Christ
Only Jesus, the one who came from heaven has the credibility to lead us to heaven. Only He, lived, died, and is resurrected. Only He can testify: “I am the way.” “I am the truth.” “I am the life.” We must take this statement in context to fully understand its meaning. Jesus was responding to Thomas’s question: “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” John 14:5 This exchange highlights the unique authority of Jesus, as seen in John 1:1 (ESV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, a welcoming Baptist church in Mascoutah IL, we anchor our faith in this truth, supporting military families near Scott Air Force Base through life's uncertainties.
The Way to Heaven
Listening carefully to the words of Christ Jesus provides us with a path to heaven we can trust. He said, “I am the way.” He did not say I am a way. Make no mistake, the Son of God said, I am the way. There is no other way. What is implied here is made clear later. Jesus said, “I am going to the Father.” John 14:12 Jesus is the way to heaven. The only way. This exclusive claim echoes Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." In our daily lives, this means trusting Jesus as the sole path amid a world of competing philosophies, offering hope to seekers in our Southern Baptist church in Mascoutah.
The Truth Revealed
What did Jesus mean, “I am the truth?” Again, Jesus brings clarity. What does God look like? What is He like? Jesus said, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9b What we want to know about God is revealed in Christ Jesus. Look to Him for answers about God. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature.” Hebrews 1:3 Jesus embodies truth, as Colossians 2:9 (ESV) affirms: "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." For families at Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah or those in Bible study groups in Mascoutah, this revelation guides us in understanding God's character in everyday decisions.
The Life in God
With that understanding in mind we look to Jesus to discover true life, “The life!” Jesus continually demonstrated a life lived in dependence on God the Father. The Life He claims is Life in God, Life with God, Life lived for God. Without God the Father there is no true life. Want to know the path to heaven? The way to life? Follow Jesus. Believe His word! “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This abundant life is promised in John 10:10 (ESV): "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." It transforms our existence now, fostering community in small groups in Mascoutah IL and beyond.
Practical Steps to Follow Jesus
To embrace Jesus as the way, truth, and life in our church family:
Listen to His Words: Read John 14 daily, reflecting on Thomas's question and Jesus' response. Discuss it in Bible study groups in Mascoutah for deeper insight.
Trust the Exclusive Path: Pray for faith to accept Jesus as the only way, sharing this truth at a community meal in Mascoutah.
Seek God's Revelation: Study Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 2:9, journaling how Jesus reveals the Father in your life.
Live Dependently: Commit to a life for God by considering baptism in Mascoutah or volunteering at our faith-based preschool, Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah, to nurture families near Scott Air Force Base.
Jesus alone has the credibility to declare Himself the way, truth, and life—leading us to the Father. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, a military-friendly church near Scott AFB, we live this out by loving God, loving others, growing in faith, and sharing the Gospel. If you're searching for churches in Mascoutah IL or a family church near Scott Air Force Base, join us for services, Oasis events, or connect through our Christian preschool in Mascoutah IL. Follow Jesus and discover true life today.
Blessed by you….Bro. Sherman
About the Guest Contributor
This guest post was contributed by Bro. Sherman Smith, a pastor with over forty years of faithful service. His reflections remind us of God's unchanging purpose in our lives. Thank you, Bro. Sherman, for sharing your story with our church family!
We welcome guest contributions that point others to Christ. If you'd like to share a testimony, devotion, or encouragement, contact us at First Baptist Church Mascoutah.
