Not A Way, But The Way Summary
- Jesus taught the cost of discipleship with authority as God himself - it's not negotiable or optional.
- Many sing about "my way" or "your way," but Jesus taught the way, singular.
- As deity, Jesus doesn't present one of many possible paths, but the path that leads to life.
- This way of Jesus has always been countercultural and narrow, requiring submission.
- Today's culture resists authoritative truth claims - we view Jesus' teaching as optional.
- But the Sermon on the Mount demands a life of obedience across the board to qualify as Jesus' disciple.
- When Jesus' teaching offends us, we're tempted to abandon the way or compromise.
- Thankfully, Jesus himself is the way of salvation - he is the gate through which we enter the path of discipleship.
- By grace we walk the narrow way with eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in him when we stumble.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think our culture today, including many Christians, resist authoritative truth claims like Jesus makes?
- In what areas have you been tempted to view Jesus' commands as optional or negotiable versus binding?
- When have you struggled with a "hard teaching" of Jesus and been tempted to walk away because it felt too costly?
- How should we understand grace in relation to the demanding ethical teachings Jesus gives?
- Why is it important that Jesus is himself the way, not just the teacher of the way? How does this give you hope?
- How can we spur each other on as a church community to stay on the narrow way of discipleship despite stumbling?