I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life

 The Word of God is so deep and so wide that we can spend our entire lives reading it over and over and yet we will always discover something new.  How many of us have read our Bibles many times but yet see a verse that speaks to us and wonder, "why have I never put that together before?"

If the Lord tarries and we are still here next spring, I will be teaching for three Sundays during Adult Education and the topic will be on the Seven Jewish Feasts and How they point to Christ.  That being said, I had a reader today who submitted some insights into the depth of Christ and the breadth of the Word.  As we know, everything in the Old Testament was meant to point to Christ.  The seven feasts and the Temple are not something only meant for the Jews.  They speak to us today.

Please read and study below.  

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The Way, the Truth, and the Life in the Temple Pattern

John 14:6 records the words of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” These are not abstract categories. They are the three stages of the temple, each fulfilled in Him.

The Way — The Outer Court

The outer court (Chatzer) contained the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:1–8) and the laver (Exodus 30:17–21). Sacrifice and washing were required before entry. Christ is the Lamb of God (John 1:29), the door of entry (John 10:9), and the one who cleanses by His word (Ephesians 5:26). This is the way of access.

The Truth — The Holy Place

The holy place (Heikhal) contained the menorah (Exodus 25:31–40), the bread of the presence (Leviticus 24:5–9), and the golden altar of incense (Exodus 30:1–10). These testified of light, word, and intercession. Christ declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). He said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:25). This is the truth that sustains the worshipper.

The Life — The Holy of Holies

The holy of holies (Kodesh haKedashim) was separated by the veil (Exodus 26:31–33). Inside stood the ark and mercy seat (Exodus 25:21–22). Only the high priest entered once a year with blood (Leviticus 16). When Christ died, the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). Hebrews 10:19–20 states the veil was His flesh. By His death, the life of access to the Father was opened.

The Convergence at the Cross

At the cross Christ fulfilled all three. He was the way by sacrifice. He was the truth by light, bread, and intercession. He was the life by opening the throne room. What were separated stages became one reality in Him.

The Feast Cycle as the Same Pattern

Leviticus 23 defines the moedim, the appointed times. These repeat the same structure as the temple.

• The spring feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits) correspond to the outer court. Christ was crucified as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), buried without leaven, and raised as firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20).

• The summer feast (Pentecost) corresponds to the holy place. The Spirit descended as fire, the word was preached, and prayer ascended (Acts 2).

• The fall feasts (Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles) correspond to the holy of holies. Trumpets announce His coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Atonement points to Israel seeing the one they pierced (Zechariah 12:10). Tabernacles points to God dwelling with His people (Revelation 21:3).

Both temple and calendar follow the same order: court, chamber, throne.

Conclusion

The way, the truth, and the life are not concepts. They are the Chatzer, the Heikhal, and the Kodesh haKedashim fulfilled in Christ. They are the spring, summer, and fall feasts fulfilled in Christ. They are the altar, the lampstand, the bread, the incense, the ark, and the mercy seat fulfilled in Christ. He is the exclusive access to the Father. Hebrews 10:19–20 states the new and living way is through His blood. Colossians 2:16–17 states the feasts are shadows, but the body is Christ. All temple structure and all calendar structure converge on Him. There is no other way.