What Jesus Did! 'The Less-Taken Way' — Matthew 7:13-14

Saturday, March 27, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."
— Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

Key Thought

Limits, restrictions, rules, and judgment — these are highly objection concepts in much of modern society. The world around us responds, "We don't like them; we don't want them. We are going to criticize anyone who believes in them." So almost no one talks about these concepts. When someone does, there is an immediate backlash of criticism. But the bottom line is simply this: When left to our own way, the way of our own choosing, we nearly always end up at war with others or create a mess of things. Most people walk down that big wide road without ever even thinking about it. But, with no set of sure values, no real sense of right and wrong, and no understanding of our need for redemption, people are on the wide road that always leads to disaster. Jesus challenges his disciples and also challenges us. He wants us to walk down the less-taken path. Yes, it's a harder path to travel, but it brings ultimate liberation and victory. We know, because Jesus has already walked that path before us!

Today's Prayer

Righteous and Holy God, give me strength each day that I may walk your straight path and not be led astray by the masses that refuse to hear your voice or live according to your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33
  • Galatians 1:10
  • Matthew 7:21-23

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 7:13-14 NLT — "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.