Matthew 7: 26, NIV

In our final week of the Sermon on the Mount series (Matthew 7:13-27), Jesus reminds us that, as free-willed beings, we each face choices every day.
The Narrow Road: At first, following God’s laws might feel constraining, but we come to see that this path is the road to true freedom.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: We must remain vigilant, as some who appear good may actually be misleading.
Good Fruit: To discern if someone or something is truly from God, look at the fruit it bears. Authentic, long-term, consistent good fruit can only come from a good source.
Over these past nine weeks, Jesus has invited us into a community of radical peacemaking and justice—a new humanity defined by God’s wisdom and love. We began by exploring what it means to have a “Kingdom Identity,” where the blessed are those who are poor in spirit, grieving, or lacking in status. This kingdom is built on right relationships, mercy, and purity of heart. Although peacemakers often face persecution and misunderstanding, Jesus calls us to be “salt and light”—living testimonies of a renewed covenant with God and witnesses to His goodness.

Jesus further deepened our understanding of spiritual and moral formation by inviting us to engage with the Torah and the Prophets, to honor one another, to foster peace, eliminate hypocrisy, and embrace spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. He showed us what right relationships look like: forgoing the pursuit of earthly wealth out of fear, avoiding judgment, and starting with empathy.

Now, the choice is ours—to listen to God’s wisdom, be cautious of false teachers, and choose the narrow road that leads to true freedom.