Come to God through the narrow gate, because the wide gate and broad path is the way that leads to destruction— nearly everyone chooses that crowded road! Matt 7:13 (The Passion Translation)
Blessed Road – The Road – Part 2
Go to PART 1
This passage in Matthew is part of Jesus closing statements from his famous “Sermon on the Mount.” This was an incredible sermon. In Jesus time, the political and social atmosphere was volatile. Israel had been occupied yet again by a godless invading army and were basically prisoners in their own land.
Can you imagine the frustration?
This was a repeating reality for the Israelites. All throughout their history they were invaded, exiled, enslaved, murdered, slaughtered, returned, invaded, exiled, enslaved… over and over. The tribe declaring that they served the one true God had trouble defending their own land and place in the Ancient World.
When would God deliver them? When would he establish them securely and powerfully as his chosen people? When would he avenge them? Show himself mighty on their behalf?
Most believed that the only way out of this situation was to pick up their swords and fight their way out. I wonder how many gathered in secret to plot and plan, to count weapons and encourage strength. Did they know where each Roman official lived? Did they know when he was alone? When the guards changed? When they were at their weakest? I can imagine an itchiness in the air, their hands tingly for the feel of metal in them as they rid their country of its oppressors and fought their way to freedom. Freedom paid in full by the blood of their enemies.
So when Jesus took that short walk to the top of a hill, the crowds desperate for answers and leadership gathered to hear what this new Teacher and Rabbi had to say. And in front of people who were willing to kill for their freedom he spoke about something altogether different…
He opens with what we know to be the beatitudes.
Blessed are the powerful? Blessed are those who overthrow the government? Blessed are those who answer a call to arms?
No.
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are those who mourn,
blessed are the meek, the hungry and the thirsty
blessed are the merciful, the pure in heart
blessed are the peacemakers
blessed are the persecuted…
WHAT?
GAME CHANGER!
PLOT TWIST!
The rest of his sermon goes deeper. He talks about being salt and light, turning the other cheek and going the extra mile for your oppressors. He told people to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors. To give and pray and forgive. He taught them to value the unseen treasures over material gain, and not to worry about anything, but pray about everything. Don’t judge others… not your countrymen, not your oppressor, the Roman guard on your street corner, or Herod sitting in his palace. But instead ask, seek and knock… explore the depths of faith and life… Walk through the narrow gate. Take the road less travelled by.
The narrow gate. A different way. A new way. The Way of Christ. The Way of faith, hope and love…
Jesus was about to change everything. Instead of Israel’s freedom being paid for by the blood of Romans, Jesus would spill his own for the sake of Jews and Romans alike. For the world.
Go to Travelled Less – The Road – Part 3
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