Matthew 7:13-23
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ [1]
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We want to believe that the good news of Jesus will be accepted by nearly all people. We want to believe that all who teach and proclaim Jesus are doing so accurately and faithfully. We want to believe that all those who are part of our churches are in fact true followers of Jesus.
But in this section Jesus provides a tough reality check.
- The road to life is narrow and the gate is small. Only a few will find it. The mission goal will not be realized in most people.
- And there are false prophets. Not everyone who preaches and teaches Jesus should be trusted and believed. We need to be mindful of this, watching the fruit of their lives so we are not led astray.
- Also, there are those who give the appearance of being followers of Jesus, but who in fact have no true relationship with him. In other words, our churches have people on the rolls who are not Christians.
Jesus’ purpose goes beyond providing this difficult picture. He intends to call us to active, intentional discipleship. He calls us to strive to keep to the narrow road. He wants us to be so familiar with the fruit of the kingdom, that the false fruit stands out. He wants our songs and prayers of praise to be accompanied by lives intent on doing the will of the Father.
Jesus, have Your way with my heart and my life. Keep me this day and always to the narrow way. Guide me in Your truth, so that I am not led astray by any false teaching. Work in me the desire and the strength to daily pursue living out the will of the Father.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Mt 7:13–23). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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