SERMON ON THE MOUNT: THE NARROW GATE

4/18/2021

SERMON ON THE MOUNT: THE NARROW GATE

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We’re learning about the Sermon on the Mount. It’s Jesus’ most famous sermon! It’s called the Sermon on the Mount because he stood up on a hill—or mountain—to preach. Today we’re learning that Jesus said he’s the only way to heaven.

We’re learning that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Let’s think about things we can do different ways.
  • How do you eat an Oreo?
            • How do you tie your shoes?
            • How do you choose a book to read?
           There’s not just one way to eat an Oreo or choose a book. But there’s only one way to heaven: Jesus! Let’s see a story about a girl who has one very long, scary way to get to school.

Which part of Roleen’s path to school seemed the scariest?
Which part seemed the most interesting?
Why do you think it’s worth it to Roleen to take that hard path to school and back?

Why is it worth it to turn to Jesus?

Roleen had one way to get to school, but it was worth it! Jesus is the only way to heaven, and following him is totally worth it!

BIBLE LESSON

Matthew 7:13-14 -- You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The road that leads to destruction is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
        • Why do you think Jesus said the gateway to life is narrow? What does that mean to you?
The path to God’s kingdom and the path away from God don’t look the same. In fact, Jesus made it really clear what the narrow path is.

John 14:6 -- Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Jesus is the only way to heaven. But we don’t have to guess at all! Jesus made it really easy to find the right path.

None of us can get to heaven on our own, because you have to be perfect to be there. That’s the bad news. But God really, really wanted us in heaven with him! So he sent Jesus, his only Son, to live on earth as a human and show us the way!

Jesus lived the perfect life that you and I fall short of.

            But then Jesus was treated like a criminal and died on the cross as a punishment for being a criminal…even though he was perfect.
           Jesus didn’t have to do that. But he wasn’t taking a punishment he deserved; he was taking the punishment we deserve. Three days later, Jesus came back to life! That's what we celebrate at Easter! That showed that he was more powerful than the punishment for our wrongdoings.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God can forgive everything we’ve done wrong…because the punishment has already happened! That means anyone who believes in Jesus will go to heaven.


Talk About It:
So we know that Jesus is the only way to heaven. And we know that Jesus made it really clear how to choose that path! But following Jesus isn’t always easy. Tell about a time it’s been hard for you to live out your faith, such as choosing not to gossip or not getting revenge on someone who’s wronged you.

   Tell about a time it’s hard for you to be a Christian.

Sometimes we have to make difficult or unpopular choices. And there are a lot of options out there that try to trick people. Sometimes people think Jesus is one way to get to God but that a lot of paths can get you there.

          Have you heard people talk about things they think can get them to God or to heaven, such as being really good, going to church, or other religions?

It’s true that those are paths people sometimes choose. But just because a way is there doesn’t mean it leads to anything good. Jesus is the only way to heaven, period.

            That’s why Jesus said there’s a wide road to hell. It’s not because he only lets a few people down his path—he invites everyone! But there are so many distractions out there that we need to make sure to stick to Jesus’ clear message: Jesus is the only way to heaven.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank you that you are the only way to God.
Jesus, thank you that you are the only way to hope.
Jesus, thank you that you are the only way to heaven.
Jesus, thank you that you are the only way to peace.
Jesus, thank you that you are the only way to joy.
Jesus, thank you that you are the only way to love.

Jesus, thank you for making a way. Thank you that you love us so much that you want us to be part of your family.
In your name, amen.

COLOURING PAGE

Thanks for joining us for online Sunday School! See you next week!

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