John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Reflection
This passage is often quoted to indicate Jesus’ intention that Christians be an exclusive in-group, and that God authorizes this.
The first indication that this might not be the best interpretation of this verse is that the I AM in this passage evokes the I AM in Exodus. This name for God implies that the Creator is beyond any definition we might make and beyond our control or ownership. It is odd to take a passage that refers to the mystery of God and use it to claim that we know the only way to this mystery and, therefore, are superior to other traditions.
Second, scholars Brockman and Habito remind us that “through me” refers to Jesus as the “logos” or divine wisdom become human. It does not necessarily mean “through belief in Jesus’ divinity” but rather that the divine wisdom through whom the world was created is available to everyone by the action of Jesus–not our action. John 1:9-13 reminds us that this logos is already in people around the world because all have been created through it. The claim of the passage all together is that Jesus embodies and reveals the character of God and, thus, the true character of human beings.
People often quote this passage without any consideration of the way that Jesus walked and taught.
When asked about this verse, I often respond, “I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. So, we then need to consider the way that Jesus lived and embodied the way, the truth, and the life in the world.” Jesus:
loved God
risked his life to free his neighbors from the coercive fear of Roman terror through the cross
recognized people of diverse traditions and cultures as humans and children of the same Creator
engaged in table fellowship, offered healing, and publicly debated with people of various traditions, economic classes, and statuses
Additionally, Philippians 2 tells us that the “mind of Christ” is one of service to and equality with others, not seeking to dominate or compete for status with each other. Honoring the humanity of all people respecting people of diverse traditions, classes, and statuses is the “way to God” and the way that God has given all people. As Christians, we are invited into this way through Jesus Christ. This way is the way to life.