Is Jesus the Only Way to God?
Month 11: Standing Firm in a Tough World · Why We Believe
Today's Scripture
Read together: John 14:6 & Acts 4:12
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. — John 14:6
12 Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12
Memory Verse
“Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.””— Joshua 1:9 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians 1–3
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time.The Heart of It
Lots of people will tell you all religions are basically the same. They say it's just different paths up the same mountain. It sounds kind and humble. But Jesus said something that doesn't fit that idea at all. "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (). He didn't say He was a way. He said He was the way. And His followers repeated it boldly. "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (). Either Jesus was telling the truth, or He was terribly wrong. He left no room for "He's just one option among many."
Here's why this isn't proud. Only Jesus dealt with our real problem. Our sin separates us from a holy God. And no amount of good deeds, religious effort, or sincerity can pay that debt. Jesus is the only one who lived a perfect life, died in our place, and rose again. He's the only one who can bring us back to God. Saying "Jesus is the only way" isn't snobbery. It's like a drowning swimmer telling others where the one rescue boat is. We hold this truth firmly. But we share it gently. We're not better than anyone. We've just been rescued, and we want everyone else aboard too.
Around the Table
Jesus is the only one who can take us to God the Father. He's like the one door into a house. We go in through Jesus!
Let's do it: Walk through a doorway together and say, "Jesus is the way to God!"
Some people say every religion leads to God. But Jesus said He is the only way. And only He died to take away our sin.
Let's talk: Why is it good news, not bad news, that Jesus is the only way?
Jesus claimed to be the way, truth, and life. That's a bold claim that leaves out every other path. But it's loving, because only His cross actually solves the problem of sin.
Let's go deeper: How can you believe Jesus is the only way and treat people of other beliefs with real kindness?
💬 Conversation Starter
If there were ten doors, and only one had your name over it leading home, would it be mean for a friend to point you to the right one?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
When someone says, "All religions lead to God, so it's narrow-minded to say Jesus is the only way": kindly answer this way. The world's religions actually teach different things about God, sin, and how to be saved. They even disagree with each other. So they can't all be right at once. And Jesus is unlike any other. He's the only founder who claimed to be God. He's the only one who died for our sin and then rose from the dead. And history backs that resurrection up. So when He says He's the only way to the Father (), it's not narrow-minded. It's the only honest map home. Say it with a smile, not a sneer. Say it "with gentleness and respect" ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
Your kids will hear "that's true for you, but not for me" countless times. Relativism is the air our culture breathes. Help them see that truth, by definition, can't contradict itself. Think about it. If Jesus rose from the dead, then any claim that He didn't simply can't also be true. And the historical evidence for the resurrection is remarkably strong: the empty tomb, the eyewitnesses, and the transformed disciples. The goal isn't to win arguments. It's to give your children confidence that following Jesus is reasonable, not just sentimental. And model the tone. We are firm on the truth and tender with the person. The exclusiveness of Christ should make us the most humble and most welcoming people in the room. We got in by grace, not by earning it.
Draws on: Natasha Crain, Talking with Your Kids about God; McDowell & Wallace.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the way back to You. Help us believe it firmly and share it kindly, so others can come home through Him too. In Jesus' name, amen."
Jesus is the only way to God. And that's the best news there is to share.