Hold steady…we’re almost there. This week, we finish our study of the Sermon on the Mount, but hopefully it has shaped all of us in a way that will continue on. Take a few moments to reflect on Jesus final words from Matthew 7:13-27.
Jesus’ teaching is closed out with a challenge in a series of metaphors. After pointing out how life lived within the kingdom looks, he points out that it must begin with a true a genuine foundation as he issues a subtle challenge calling them to that way of living. And the same call is before us… Consider the questions below as we process through this together:
As you read over the metaphors, which one is the most striking impact on you? Why?
If living in the way of Jesus is the way that God himself intended us to live, why is it a path that “only a few” seem to find?
What is it that prevents you from fulling living in the way of Jesus?
August 4th, 2006 at 5:55 pm
Looking at Matthew 7:24-27 makes me think about all the homes I use to admire living in Southern California. Homes built on hillsides in Malibu or Laguna Beach are beautiful and boy can you enjoy fantastic views and tremendous status living in these homes. But these homes are constantly ravaged by fires, landslides, earthquakes and other disasters. Folks are living for today and not concerned with their future beyond this materialistic world. Personally, I am one of these “folks” but I am working on my priorities. I am concerned that our personal foundation is not being based on the rock of Jesus Christ – rather the quicksand I am trying to get out of now. When I am judged (boy that sounds harsh), I need to have an advocate and be on firm ground – the foundation of Christ. I cannot be standing on swampland that will be sucked up on that day. I am still building my foundation – it is a work in progress. Pathways is helping me to “cure” my concrete foundation.