Week 5 | Is Jesus the Only Way to God? | September 29–October 3
The reason that so many people doubt Christianity is because of what Jesus claimed. Most people don’t have a problem with how Jesus lived or how He loved. He was compassionate, gracious, forgiving, humble—He even turned water into wine at a party! But many draw the line at what Jesus claimed because what He claimed was bold, audacious, and, to many, offensive.
Put It into Practice: Spend time examining the core doctrine of Christianity in comparison to other world religions to help not only build your faith but also enables you to share it with others.
Day 1 John 14:1-6
Reflect: How do you reconcile the exclusivity of Jesus’ claim here with a desire for inclusivity and compassion? What does Jesus’ life tell us about who this exclusive invitation is really open to? Apply: What emotions or thoughts do you experience when you hear Jesus say, “No one comes to the Father except through me”? Does it feel comforting, offensive, confusing, or hopeful? Why? Pray: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my Way, our Truth, and our Life. I ask that You continue to guide my steps along the path that leads to the Father. Help me to always seek and live by Your truth, to embrace Your life-giving presence, and to find my ultimate hope and rest only in You.
Day 2 Romans 3:21-26
Reflect: According to this text, how is a person made right with God? How does this contrast with the “do more, be better” approach many associate with religion? Would that be less offensive? Apply: In what ways do we sometimes still try to “earn” what has already been given? Religion says do. Jesus says done. What’s one area of your life where you need to stop striving and start trusting? Pray: Thank You, Father, thank You for my salvation. Thank You that Jesus’ death gave me life and reconciled me to You forever. Thank You for taking my sin and clothing me in His righteousness so that I might have peace with You, forever and ever.
Day 3 Matthew 12:38-42
Reflect: Why do you think the Pharisees asked to see a sign? Explain Jesus’ answer. In a world that still asks for proof, what does it mean to live by faith in Jesus as the resurrected Savior? Apply: Have you ever found yourself asking God for a sign? What were you hoping for? How does this passage challenge the way we approach doubt and demand certainty? Pray: Lord Jesus, You point to Jonah’s sign as a foreshadowing of Your resurrection. Help me to not ask for signs but to live in faith and repentance. May I draw wisdom from Your Word and from those who have come before me.
Day 4 Mark 2:16-17
Reflect: What stands out to you in Jesus’ response to the Pharisees? Why do you think He uses the image of a doctor and the sick? How does Jesus challenge their view of righteousness and sin? Apply: Have you ever felt like you were “too far gone” or unworthy of Jesus’ attention or grace? Do you find yourself more often identifying with the Pharisee or the sinner in this passage? Why? Pray: Give me humility and grace, Lord, to be drawn to Jesus and to live among those who need Him most. Help me to reflect Jesus’ heart, to be friends of sinners and tax collectors, showing them Your love and inviting them to the Great Physician.
Day 5 Acts 4:8-12
Reflect: Peter declares that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. How does this align or clash with modern cultural values? How do you respectfully share your faith in a pluralistic world? Apply: Do you have a testimony of transformation—either your own or someone else’s that can be shared? Are personal testimonies more effective with someone who has doubts about Jesus? Why? Pray: I thank You, Father, for Jesus my Savior. Thank You for Your gift of salvation that has been given to me through Christ alone. May I walk in spirit and truth, and live and work to Your praise and glory, being continuously filled with Your power and grace for Your greater purposes.