SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:13-23
OBSERVATION:
Narrow the road that leads to life (vv.13-14) This seems to be Jesus’ way of saying “no pain, no gain”. The path to life and meaning and success takes work, self-denial, perseverance. As with building deep relationships, or with losing weight, or with quitting smoking, we cannot expect an easy time. The way of Jesus, which is the way that God designed the world, goes contrary to what comes naturally. We are by nature self-centered, lazy. Given then choice between an easy or a difficult path, we will usually opt for the easy. But, says Jesus, easy is deadly.
By their fruit you will recognize them (vv.15-20) Jesus is always highlighting the importance of the heart (inwardly, v.15), for the stuff that we think, do, or say (or fail to think, do or say) shows what we are on the inside. Don’t evaluate people by their performance (wolves can act like sheep), but by the fruit (i.e. the deeds that really matter, justice, patience, kindness, compassion, generosity). We can pray, go to church, put money in the collection plate, memorize Bible verses, etc., but if we are not gracious and loving, we show what really lives in our hearts.
Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ (v.21-23) It is easier to be religious (to put on a good show) than it is to be inwardly like Jesus. Jesus makes it clear that the most religious people are often not the most sincere or rigtheous people. If their hearts are committed to God and His way, it will show in their character, in their actions. According to Jesus many people on judgment day will be surprised to find out that despite all their religious activity, they never really knew Jesus.
APPLICATION:
Am I drifting through life, or fighting against the current of selfishness and pride? Am I focusing on religious externals, or sincerely seeking to be like Jesus in my heart. God knows whether I am real or not. Jesus is not interested in changing our masks, He wants to change our hearts. What does the “fruit” of my life say about me, about my heart? What would other people say was the fruit of my life? Can people recognize me as a sheep, or am I more like a ferocious wolf?
PRAYER:
Lord, You know my heart better than me. As far as I can tell, I do want to sincerely and seriously follow You. I do not want to be a ferocious wolf. Show me where I am missing the point, show me where I am just pretending. Help me to be real! Amen.
Robert Frost wrote a poem about the less travelled way entitled – the Road Not Taken. I too must travel on the road less travelled on and it will and has made all the difference! Help me Lord in my Way – my pilgrim’s progress.
As the prophet of old was known to be a true or false prophet by what happened – if the words became true – so too, I am known by what I do. As I child of the King, I can bear only good fruit because I am His! I am cleansed by His blood. He knows me by name and He will help me to stay on the narrow path. Help me Lord in my Way to know You, to Love You and to be Your hands and feet in my daily living. Help me to show the love of Jesus every day.
Teach me, O Lord, Thy way of truth,
And from it I will not depart;
That I may steadfastly obey,
Give me an understanding heart.
In Thy commandments make me walk,
For in the law my joy shall be;
Give me a heart that loves Thy will,
From discontent and envy free.