Jesus ends His Sermon on the Mount—His longest sermon—with a challenge: are we just listening to His words, or are we living them out? With fall football in the air and summer fading, are we faithful members of Team Jesus?
Jesus paints the picture of two gates, two paths, and two destinations. “Enter by the narrow gate,” He says, “for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction… but narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life.” (Matthew 7:13–14) The wide road looks easy and popular, but it ends in ruin. The narrow path—Jesus Himself— is the only way to life. He declares in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” That may sound exclusive, but it is gloriously inclusive: the gate is wide open to all who believe.
Next, Jesus warns of false prophets—teachers who look like sheep but act like wolves. They can be spotted, He says, by their fruit: twisted doctrine, corrupted character, or followers led astray. Scripture cautions, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12).The true test of a teacher is not popularity but faithfulness to God’s Word.
But Jesus goes deeper still. Not only must we beware of false prophets; we must also examine our own profession of faith. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,” He warns, “but he who does the will of My Father.” (Matthew 7:21) Saying the right words or doing good deeds apart from genuine relationship with Christ will not stand on judgment day. What matters is truly knowing Him and obeying Him.
Finally, Jesus tells the parable of two builders. One built on rock, the other on sand. Storms came to both, but only the house on the rock remained. “Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) Storms are guaranteed in life—but only those grounded on Jesus will stand.
Like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which had to be moved inland after its sandy foundation eroded, our lives need a firm base. Every shifting foundation— wealth, success, reputation— will eventually crumble. Christ alone is solid ground. As the old hymn reminds us: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
So, whose team are you on? Jesus calls us off the sidelines and into real discipleship: not spectators but players, not hearers only but doers. At Lake Eufaula Christian Church, we want to help you build on the Rock. Join us at 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula: small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night all-age activities at 6:30 p.m. Choose the narrow way—Team Jesus!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
