
Is that a bit unreal? By claiming that he is the only way to God, is he being narrow-minded? Is he being intolerant?
Well, notice that Jesus is not the only subject on which the Bible presents a narrow view.
First, there was only one way for Adam and Eve to remain in the Garden of Eden, and that was to obey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disobeyed God and were expelled.
Second, there was only one acceptable sacrifice required of Cain and Abel. Abel followed God's way and his sacrifice was accepted. His brother Cain's was not.
Third, in Noah's day there was only one avenue of deliverance from the worldwide flood - the ark. Once the door was shut, no one else could go in.
Fourth, in ancient Israel there was only one way to approach God for forgiveness - through specified animal sacrifices offered at the Tabernacle or Temple.
The list goes on - God always making it possible to meet his requirements. Is that intolerance, or a demonstration of his providence and grace?
* * *
Over and over we see the wisdom of accepting God's unique provision.