13 “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. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13–14

Have you ever lost your WAY but didn’t want to admit it?

Back in the old days before GPS and map-apps became common, jokes were often told about men not wanting to stop and ask for directions. To understand why asking for directions was such a big deal, we need to realize that back then travel required sitting down and mapping out the route. I can vividly remember my father standing over a map with his buddies deliberating over which route was best. As truck drivers, they would often look out for each other and share short cuts, detours, and where they had run into road construction. You see, back then to admit you were lost was to admit your own directions, which you worked hard on, were wrong.

As I think about it, not much has changed today. While we don’t sit and labor over paper maps anymore, we do place a lot of trust in our phones and our thumbs. When I get lost now, it’s SIRI or Google Maps’ fault. There is no way I entered the wrong address! The point is no one likes to admit when they’re lost or wrong. This is not only true in travel but it’s a universal fact of life.

The fact that we don’t want to admit our WAY might be wrong makes Jesus’ words above all the more challenging. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7 there are only two ways. There is a narrow way and a wide way. There is His Way which leads to life and there is a wide way that leads to death. He calls us to enter through the gate of eternal life and walk in His Way.

You see, true disciples of Jesus walk in His Way by knowing and obeying His teachings. This week we are kicking off a five-week series called, “The Essentials of The Way” to ensure we all know The Way of Jesus. While we don’t like admitting we are lost, it’s always nice to have someone show us the way. Aren’t you glad Jesus is still willing to show us His Way?
We’d love for you to listen to the worship set to prepare your heart for Sunday.
Love you Church,

Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor