Sermon Recap
Our theme passage for this series is Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus teaches us about the narrow and broad paths. The broad path, which many follow, leads to destruction, while the narrow path leads to life and only a few find it. This week we were challenged on some common worldly advice we often hear, like “follow your heart” or “do what you think is best.” I’ve heard this advice myself, and maybe you’ve even given it. But the truth is, this kind of advice is a sign that you’re on the broad path, not the narrow way that Jesus calls us to. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 that the heart is deceitful, prone to sin, and not to be trusted. Instead of following our hearts, we need to follow Jesus.
Jesus never told His disciples to “follow their hearts.” When He called Peter, Andrew, James, and John in Matthew 4:18-22, He didn’t say, “Do what feels right to you.” He said, “Follow me.” These men left everything—family, career, security—because following Jesus requires total surrender. To understand the weight of that call, we need to look at the culture of discipleship in Jesus’ day. Rabbis were highly respected teachers, and to be a disciple was to give your life to be with your rabbi, learn from them, and eventually do what they did. Following Jesus wasn’t just about learning information; it was about transformation.
Jesus wasn’t an ordinary rabbi. Everywhere He went, He amazed people with His teaching, and they recognized the authority in His words. People asked, “Where did this man get such wisdom?” (Matthew 13:54) because no one had ever spoken like Him. Yet, even today, many Christians don’t take Jesus seriously as a spiritual leader. Some see Him only as the means to forgiveness and salvation, but Jesus also came to show us how to live. He calls us to follow Him on the narrow way, to be His disciples in every aspect of our lives, not just to trust in our own understanding.
What’s so incredible about Jesus’ call is that He invites whoever wants to be His disciple. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the best, the smartest, or if you’ve made mistakes. In Luke 5:4-11, we see Peter, a simple fisherman, fall at Jesus’ feet, feeling unworthy, but Jesus called him anyway. Jesus didn’t see Peter for who he was in that moment; He saw who Peter could become through His grace. The same is true for us. Jesus invites all of us—no matter our past—to follow Him, deny ourselves, take up our cross, and walk the narrow path that leads to life.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
What are some examples of worldly advice that might lead us down the "broad path" instead of the narrow path? How can we discern when we're following our own desires instead of Jesus?
Jesus called His disciples to "follow me" rather than follow their hearts or their own wisdom. In what ways is following Jesus more challenging than following your own instincts, and how can we rely on Him instead of our own understanding?
The sermon emphasizes the role of discipleship, where the goal is to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. What are practical ways we can live this out in our everyday lives?
Jesus' invitation to discipleship is for “whoever” is willing. How does this encourage you in your own walk with Christ, and how might it change the way you view others who may feel unworthy or disqualified from following Jesus?
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, help me to understand what it means to follow you completely. You are good and trustworthy and I know you will be right there with me. As I learn to closely follow you, may I begin to see greater and greater revelation of who you are and who you are calling me to be! Thank you for inviting me to follow you. Amen.
Life Application
Evaluate Your Influences: Take time to reflect on the advice and voices you’re allowing to shape your decisions. Are they leading you down the broad or narrow path? Replace worldly advice like "follow your heart" with biblical wisdom by spending more time in Scripture and prayer.
Commit to Discipleship: Make a conscious effort to live as a disciple of Jesus by spending more time with Him in prayer, studying His Word, and applying His teachings to your daily life. Seek to not only learn from Jesus but to imitate His actions and character.
Surrender Daily: Each day, intentionally choose to deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus. This means surrendering your own desires, plans, and instincts to follow Christ’s leading, even when it feels difficult or countercultural.
Invite Others to Follow: Recognize that Jesus’ call to discipleship is for everyone. Look for opportunities to encourage and invite others who may feel unworthy or distant from God to walk the narrow path with Jesus.
Don’t Forget
Find a NEW Class or Group to go deeper with this fall
Starting Point & Rooted Class for newer attendees
Young Adults on Mondays
Youth Midweek every Wednesday
Additional Resources
Discussion Guide Index| Sermon Playback & Video | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App