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Jun 18, 2024 06:00am

The Jesus Way

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Frank Sinatra had a song called “I did it my way”. You’ve likely heard the popular tune. In fact, the melody might be playing in your head now. Many say the song wasn’t just about Sinatra’s fame and choices, but a deeper meaning of America and her self-determination.

Whatever the case is, the tune highlights the pride in one’s self for doing it their way, the way which they deem right, the way they want, the way they choose.

But Ol’ Blue Eyes got it wrong. Just like Peter.

John 18:4-10
“Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”

Peter.

The disciple who was outspoken, determined, always ready for a fight, willing to defend until the end.

He wasn’t going to let these guards take Jesus. He would stand and fight for Him! He knew they needed to be prepared, that’s why he brought the sword in the first place.

He drew his sword in anger, feelings of betrayal from Judas surging through him, and sliced off Malchus’ ear.

Never once did Jesus say they would fight or battle with those that were coming. He had told them many times that He would die, He would go away, but that they would receive the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, in His place.

It had to be this way. It was the only way.

But Peter didn’t think so. He felt he had to take matters into his own hands.

As he slashed the sword through the servant’s ear, it was a declaration that he was going to do it his way.

But Jesus rebuked him.

“11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Luke records that Jesus healed the man’s ear at this time. Jesus didn’t come to wage war on man. He came to defeat sin and death. He came to do the will of the Father.

Jesus’ death was the only way mankind could be redeemed. There was no room for pride, thinking “my way is better”. It was complete and total surrender to God and His way.

The only way.

Did you know this song by Sinatra is one of the most popular funeral songs by the artist? Is that the tune that you’ll be remembered by when you pass away?

“I did it my way”

Or will your life proclaim that you chose “the Jesus way”. A life of surrender, devotion to doing the will of the Father and laying down “our way”.

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Jesus is the only way. He declared He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Only through Him can we be saved from the punishment we have earned for our sins. There is only one true and living God. All other gods are man-made idols, that time after time have been proven to be false.

Follow Jesus’ example. Even though the road may be tough, with persecution and suffering involved, it’s the only way that leads to eternal life in heaven with God.