Let's begin with a quick review of four facts Jesus claims in our text today. I'm not assuming we all agree with these facts, but at least I want us to understand what Jesus actually claimed for himself.

First: he is God (v. 1). "Believe in God; believe also in me" he says. In v. 9: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." Earlier the authorities tried to stone him to death "because you…claim to be God" (John 10:33). Other religious leaders claim to reveal God; Jesus claims to be God.

Second: he is preparing heaven for us (v. 2). "Prepare" means to go before and make ready for the arrival of others. Other religious leaders told their followers how to get to heaven; Jesus is preparing heaven for us.

Three: he will take us there himself (v. 3). "Take you to be with me" means "to walk alongside of." Other religious leaders pointed the way to heaven; Jesus will take us there personally.

Four: he is the only way to God (v. 6). His Greek was emphatic: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Later he was even more emphatic: "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). No one in all of human history ever made this claim. Other religious leaders said, "I know the way, truth, life;" Jesus claimed to be the way, truth, and life.

Are we clear on these claims to uniqueness?

I am God; I am preparing your place in heaven; I will take you there; I alone can take you there.

Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." The Bible clearly claims that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, the only way to heaven.