Matthew 7:13-23
Jesus talks in the final section of His Sermon on the Mount about two ways that we can walk through life. One is entered through a narrow gate and the path beyond is rocky and hard, but those who travel on it are destined for eternal life in God’s kingdom. The gate is narrow, not because it is difficult to enter, but because most people choose not to. There is only one way to pass through this gate and that is by receiving Jesus as Saviour and Lord. The way of discipleship requires obedience and sacrifice and few are willing to walk it.
The other way is accessed through a wide gate and the going is much easier. This broad path is the way of the world. It takes no effort to choose this road and many get swept along in the crowd. Travelling through life this way allows for self-indulgence and the pursuit of pleasure but, ultimately, it leads to death and destruction.
Some individuals on this path gather people who follow them in the belief that they have the answers to life, simply because they are impressive speakers or perform supernatural acts. Jesus warns His disciples not to be deceived by such false prophets but to look for the fruit of His character in their lives. Are they pointing people to the Lord or to themselves? Do they demonstrate sacrificial love towards other people, or are they motivated by money, self-centredness or the desire for power? Does their message line up with the Gospel preached by the New Testament apostles, or are they compromising the Word of God? If they are on the right path their lives will reflect the character of Christ.
There are some on the broad path who think they are saved. They may believe in God, go to church or do good works. But if they have not surrendered their lives to Christ they will not inherit eternal life. They have have embraced an empty man-made religion rather than the transforming power of life in Christ.
Have you received Christ into your life? Make sure you are on the right path today. Your eternal destination depends on it.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Prayer
Almighty God,
I thank You that You have provided a way, through Jesus, for me to spend eternity with You in Your kingdom. Help me to walk the way of discipleship, even when the going gets tough. I pray for those I know who are travelling on the broad way and ask that You would help me to share the good news about Jesus with them.
Amen.
(If you have never received Christ into Your life, you can pray like this:
Dear Father God, thank You that You sent Jesus into this world to save people like me who have been travelling through life on the wrong road. I accept Him now as my Saviour and Lord. I invite You into my life Lord Jesus to transform me and help me to travel on the narrow way of Your Kingdom. Thank You that You have heard my prayer. Amen.)
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