“Jesus Is the Standard” John 14:6 and My Mike Tomlin Moment

John 14:6 (NIV) says: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

When I read this today, it hit me like Jesus was giving His own “I AM” statement the same way God did in Exodus. It felt like Jesus was saying, “I’m Him. I’m the Source. I’m the access point. If it’s not through Me, it’s not happening.” I am the bouncer at the door controlling access. 

And immediately, my brain went to my favorite coach, Mike Tomlin. He always says: “The standard is the standard.” Well, Jesus is the standard. Not a suggestion. Not an option. Not one of many paths. THE standard.

The Word I Missed: Zōē - The Life Jesus Meant

The narrator mentioned the Greek word for “life,” and I almost missed it. It sounded like “Zoe-way.” Turns out it’s zōē, and it means:

• the absolute fullness of life

• life that comes from God

• life that is both essential (source) and ethical (how to live)

Jesus wasn’t just answering Thomas’ question. He was saying:

“I am what you’re searching for. I am the source of life itself. I am the blueprint for how life is meant to be lived.” That “ethical” part threw me at first, but I think I get it now: Jesus is the compass. The model. The example. The standard for what right, whole, healthy living looks like.

The World’s High vs. God’s Fulfillment

The more I thought about it, the more it reminded me of addiction.

The world gives you hits, highs that fade. You chase the feeling, but it never satisfies. You always need more.

But with Jesus? It’s not a high. It’s life.

Every day I wake up wanting more, not because I’m empty, but because I’m alive. I want to learn more. Read more. Journal more. Grow more. Understand more.

That’s zōē life. That’s Holy Spirit hunger.

Cycles, Bondage, and the Freedom Jesus Brings

One line in the teaching stopped me:

“Jesus can break every cycle.”

Every bondage. Every addiction. Every generational pattern. Every entanglement. There is nothing He cannot crush. And honestly? I’m glad He’s the one holding that kind of power, because anybody else would abuse it.

Then came the question:

“What stronghold has you bound? What bondage has your heart imprisoned?”

At first I didn’t get it. But now I think it means:

What has your heart locked up? What negativity, bitterness, fear, or old identity is still gripping you?

Because Jesus’ love is stronger than any sin, any past, any pattern.

His sacrifice already paid for our freedom. We just have to let His love do what it came to do.