Jesus on Two Ways (Matthew 7:13-29)1. Two Paths7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
In wealthy countries we are used to broad freeways and wide roads. We have contempt for the narrow streets of poor countries and the associated difficult travel conditions. So when Jesus said that the way to life is a narrow gate and a difficult path, we might tend to take offense at the description. On the other hand, if we had to choose between cruising comfortably on an open freeway towards guaranteed pain and death versus a difficult mountain trail leading to safety and a fabulous inheritance, we may choose the narrow and arduous way. That is the choice that Jesus offers us throughout his Sermon on the Mount, the easy path to destruction or the less popular way to life. The way to pain and death seems easy, but it ends up in misery and ruin. The road to eternal life, to thrilling happiness and incredible peace, is a way that is unpopular in this world. Jesus offers us the only path to life. Which way are you going? 2. Two Kinds of Prophet7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 7:16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 7:17 So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 7:18 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 7:20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.
Some do not like it when we critique a televangelist or question the authority of religious leaders. They call that judgmentalism. But, are we to just naively believe everything? Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets. He describes them as vicious wolves. That is something that we need to be able to judge for our own spiritual safety. How do we tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit religious leaders? Jesus says that what they do is the real indicator that will help us discern. Their true character is revealed in their unrighteous way of life. That does not mean that true church leaders will be perfect. All Christian leaders make mistakes and have failings. However, a false prophet has an entire lifestyle that exposes him as being a fake, a hypocrite and an enemy of the teachings of Jesus. 3. Two Kinds of Disciple7:21 "Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 7:22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.'
So, you think that what you do in obedience to Christ is unimportant, not like the guy with the big healing revivals and miracles? Actually, what you are doing may be far more important. There are two kinds of Christian, those who say Lord, Lord while doing nothing important and those who actually practice what Jesus taught. Jesus said that many who did spectacular things in his name will not even enter the kingdom of heaven. Charismatic activity is not a substitute for righteous deeds. Exciting preaching and miracles are not even very important. Obedience to God is. Those who do dazzling things like prophesy or perform miracles yet do not live a good life will be told by Jesus that he never knew them. True religion is not found in the prophetic words of a stirring sermon or doing occasional religious "stuff," but in living a life obedient to God. 4. Two Kinds of Foundation7:24 "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 7:25 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 7:26 And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 7:27 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."
We all know Jesus' words about building on a solid rock foundation instead of sand, but do we know what he was talking about? He was actually referring to those who listen to his teaching and then follow it. He was not talking about those who read the latest Christian book, listen to the latest Christian guru, follow the latest Christian fad, or even those who are faithful to ancient Christian traditions. Jesus simply taught that those who listen to HIM and actually follow what HE said, have built on a solid foundation. So put your latest feel good pop theology book aside. Put that video or audio from your favorite religious teacher away. Get out your Bible and read again what Jesus actually taught! Then, determine to follow him instead of a mere man. |
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