Matthew 7:13-14
Devotion by Tina Miller Sermon by Rich Lanning
May 18, 2025
Gather
A treat for the introductory activity
Sticky notes for the memory verse
Introduction
Create a narrow opening through which your children must squeeze to get to the other side where a special treat is waiting for them.
Also have a wide opening that’s easy to go through but contains nothing but garbage at the end (but don’t let this be visible from the opening).
Let the children choose which opening they would like to enter without telling them what’s at the end. Then inform them of what’s ahead and see which one they choose.
Pray
Gracious and holy God, soften our hearts where they are hard; awaken our consciences where they have grown dull. Confront us with love and grace. May your word pierce through distractions and deceptions and lead us into the way that leads to life. (Pastor Rich Lanning)
Looking into the scripture passage
Jesus had been telling the people about the kingdom of heaven. At the end of his sermon, he brings the listeners (and us) to a choice they must make
Read: Matthew 7:13-14
Ask: What is the choice that Jesus sets before his listeners and before all of us who now read his words? How many gates are there? How many gates lead to life? Which one is it?
Why do you think many people don’t find and enter the narrow gate that leads to life? [because it is narrow it’s harder to see; because the way is hard and people prefer what’s easier]
What Jesus is offering is a path that provides sinners escape from their deserved destruction.
Ask: Who needs that path? Is there anyone who hasn’t sinned? Is anyone good enough to enter that path on their own?
No, of course not, so how can we get in the narrow gate?
Read: John 10:9
Ask: Who is the door? Is there any other way to get on the path to life?
The only way to the path of life is to receive Jesus as the Savior from your sin, to seek his mercy and turn from your sin to obey him.
That sounds easy, but what does Jesus say about this gate and this path? [It’s hard]
What is hard about following Jesus?
If we receive Jesus as our Savior, we must also acknowledge him as our Lord.
Ask: What does it mean that Jesus is Lord? Is it easy to obey Jesus every day? Is it easy to set aside what we think we want to love him more than ourselves?
No that is not easy. But what does God promise to everyone who receives Jesus as Lord and Savior? [eternal life]
Before we finish today, let’s consider the wide gate and path.
Ask: What is at the end of the easy path?
Read: 1 Thess. 1:7b-9
This is what God says awaits those who are on the wide path, who do not follow Jesus.
Apply the passage
Activity 1
Everyone has to choose one of these two paths. Have you made your choice? Why not choose today to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Activity 2
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Spend time rejoicing in what awaits you at the end of the path! Maybe sing the song below.
Memorize
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.
John 10: 9
Practice the verse Write the words of the verses on several sticky notes. Stick them in order around the frame of a doorway in your house. Work on the verse each time you walk through that door during the week.
Extra Stuff
Songs to sing
“To God be the Glory” (traditional hymn)
Books to read (these can be borrowed from the Christ Covenant library)
