We are living in a time when it is very difficult to know what truth is, or perhaps it has always been that way. I recently reread George Orwell’s novel 1984 written and published in 1949. I read it for the first time in the 1960s; so I, as well as Orwell, was looking into an imagined future. Since my first reading, I had forgotten many of the individual events of that fictional anti-utopian society. Nevertheless, throughout my life, the main ideas of 1984 have helped shape my critical thinking and given me a better understanding of how each culture defines its own ‘history.’
The characters and their interactions defy what some of us consider measurable scientific truths. Also, perceptions of social good are skewed by manipulating language, so war is called peace, freedom is called slavery, and ignorance is called strength. If utopia is perfection, then anti-utopia or dystopia is utter despair. However, the Bible’s answer to despair is the hope found in Jesus Christ.
The sixth description Jesus gives of Himself in the Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 6 in my Who Is Jesus Series is ‘the way, the truth and the life.’ In this fourteenth chapter of Scripture Jesus tells his disciples that since they already believe in God, they should also believe and trust in Him. He says there are many rooms or dwelling places in His Father’s house. The King James Version says there are many ‘mansions.’ As the KJV is from 1611, the word ‘mansion’ is one of those words which has taken on a different meaning in modern times. Nonetheless, whatever kind of dwelling place the Lord prepares will be lavish accommodations, I’m sure!
In John chapter 14 Jesus through His teaching is trying to prepare His disciples for His imminent arrest, trial, and crucifixion. John 14:6 presents Jesus as ‘the way,’ the path, or the road to God. Also, He is ultimate ‘truth.’ And finally, the word ‘life’ indicates a personal relationship with a personal God in this life and the next.
Find various translations below of John 14:6 in English, French, Spanish, and German. And may God speak to your heart as you read and meditate on His Word.
English: I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 KJV (King James Version), GNT (Good News Translation), HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible), CEB (Common English Bible)
Français: Je suis le chemin, la verité, et la vie. Jean 14:6 LSG (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond), BCC1923 (Bible Catholique Crampon 1923), NEG79 (Nouvelle Édition de Genève 1979)
Español: Yo soy el camino, la verdad, y la vida. Juan 14.6 RVR95 (Biblia Reina Valera 1995), NVI (Nueva Versión Internacional), DHH (Dios Habla Hoy)
Deutsch: Ich bin der Weg und die Wahrheit und das Leben. Johannes 14,6 DELUT (Lutherbible 1912), LUTHEUTE (luther.heute), SCH2000 (Schlachter 2000)
Encouragement and Instruction
From the Bible, God’s Holy Word
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2022
ConnieCarlislePolley.com
NonnyDay.com
Nonny's Blog 
As I study more and more, what I often find is how few things are really new. Great example, that in 1949 there were similar concerns to what we have today in 2022. And further this reminds me of John 18:38 when Pilot looks at Jesus and says, “What is truth?”
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Yes, it does seem that history tends to repeat itself.
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“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.“ While a hymn is not scripture, this line is built on scripture and I stand on its truth. My hope and trust are in Him alone. I rest on His promises. God bless you, Connie!
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Sue, thank you for your comments.
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