MAtt 7:12-14

The Right Side up Life / Matthew 7:12–14

Matthew 7:12 ESV

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus moral claims are the right map. They help us to see, they help us to understand. But His moral claims are not the territory. We can see the life we want to lead but once we start putting our feet on the path, we realize that we need more than a map and a direction.

Matthew 7:13–14 ESV

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Yes Jesus promoted a moral life, grounded in love of neighbor and self. If we miss that we miss what Christianity looks like

But if that’s all we understand about Jesus and His work in our lives, we miss what Christianity is

You see this in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus is not merely a great moral teacher. Usually when I hear that from people it is assumed that they have not read the Scriptures. He is a great moral teacher. But He also made great claims on who He was. He claimed to be God. He claimed to be the water of life, the bread of life, the shepherd of our souls.

Jesus did not just give us a great way to live, He is life itself.

But the way is a narrow road. It is hard. But not hard for trying hard. Hard because we have to realize that on the narrow road it is not about our work but Christs

John 14:1–7 ESV

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Five Discussion Questions

1. What are some ways in which we mistake “the map” for “the territory” in our lives? How might this influence our understanding of what it means to follow Christ?

2. The narrow road is described as difficult but not because of “trying harder.” What are some things we may need to let go of to walk this path more freely? How do we experience freedom through Christ on this journey?

3. How does the concept of relying on Christ, rather than personal effort alone, reshape our understanding of the “good life” or “flourishing life”? In what ways is this idea countercultural?

4. The Golden Rule is often seen as a foundation for moral behavior. How does Jesus’ approach to this rule differ, especially when it comes to times we “cannot mutually agree” on what is right?

5. In what ways does Christ’s role as “the way” provide assurance and guidance when our lives feel uncertain or difficult? How might this differ from simply following a set of rules or principles?