LETTERS IN RED. Perhaps the most well known passage of Jesus’ teaching is that recorded Matthew 5-7, commonly called the Sermon on the Mount. It is not PC to call his teaching, rules, so let’s call them guidelines for Christians.

The beatitudes describe the “personality” of a Christian, then behavior is summed up in admonitions regarding salt, light, fulfilling law, murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, revenge, love, alms, prayer, fasting, materialism (treasures), not judging. Two great comforting passages that we dearly love: God’s love and provision for us, 6:25-34 and 7:7-12.

Then he ends his sermon with three passages not much talked about—the narrow and wide gates, the false prophets and followers, and the foundation of the wise and foolish man. It is scary how little attention we give to the narrow gate and road. The passage in Luke 13:24 seems even more “narrow” than Matthew’s passage.  Wow, that is not going over for us! They both say or imply that we are not going to be carrying a lot of baggage once we head down that road.

How many Christians really believe Jesus is the only Way? Don’t we think deep down “He is the only way for me, but what about…?”   

No wonder preachers do not preach on those passages! I would have a hard time moderating a “small group” discussion on that topic. That doesn’t change the facts however.

Prophesying, driving out demons, performing miracles, even eating and drinking with Jesus, listening to his teaching – none of those cut any ice with the Master if they are accompanied by evil deeds.  

Then Luke tops it all off with Jesus’ description of hell. It is hard to face the truth of these passages with an arrogant heart.