If we were to count the number of books written about what it looks like to follow Jesus, I wonder what the number would be?
Our text last night revealed insight into Jesus’ ideas for what it looks like to follow Him – what it looks like to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. If you have a few minutes, read Matthew 7:13-27. This text has four major ideas:
- Go Where Jesus Goes – the narrow road – meaning Jesus is the only way to the Father
- Think How Jesus Thinks – filter your life through the Bible versus using the world to dictate to you what is true in the Bible – think “good fruit” like Galatians 5:22-23
- Do What Jesus Does – evaluate your fruit – does it point to “knowing Jesus” or are you just acting? Even Jesus isn’t fooled by big acts we portray.
- Trust What He Says – stand on the rock of His Word – He can be trusted!
Questions to ask at the table or when you’re driving in the car:
- Jesus talks about wide gate/path being most traversed. What is it about this gate/path that is so appealing to the masses?
- Jesus warns about people who look good on the outside but aren’t genuine. What are some ways to tell if someone is “real” or just putting on an image?
- What kind of “fruit” (actions, attitudes, habits) do you think actually shows what someone believes? What fruit do you want your life to produce?
- What does Jesus say is true about people who are wise?
- What does Jesus say is true about people who are foolish?
- How does Jesus connect life’s storms to what we do with His words? What do you think that means for you?
- If you had to be honest, which part of this passage challenges you the most right now—and why?
ACTION STEPS:
1. GO where He goes.
2. THINK how He thinks.
3. DO what He does.
4. TRUST what He says.
Which of these steps do you currently struggle with the most? What makes it hard? Who’s someone you know that does this well? How can you ask for their help?