The Gospel Project: Jesus is the Way

Intro Option 1: Green Glass Door

Play the game

Jesus = only way to God’s Kingdom

The only door

Main Point: Entrance to God’s kingdom only comes through Jesus.

The narrow door

Luke 13:22–30 (ESV)

22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Trying different ways to reach heaven

Good works

Rule following

Church attendance

Religion

Not enough

Jesus is our door

Looking religious on the outside

If hearts not surrendered, He can’t claim to know us

Ask: Have you ever seen someone seek special treatment because of who they’re related to? Hod did the Jews have a similar mindset?

Played sports with someone

Taken part in activity

From important family in community

Most people know last name > special treatment

Starting position

Jews = similar (God’s chosen people)

The inclusion of Gentiles

Hard to accept for Jews

Ask: What do verses 25-28 mean? How do we do the same thing?

Shocked bc they listened to Jesus

So why not invited?

They didn’t know him

Spend lives...

Going to church

Reading our Bibles

Making good decisions

Not enough to save us

Can’t depend on parents faith either

Confessing Jesus as YOUR Savior

Repenting of YOUR sins

Can’t reach any other way

Big Question: What is legalism and why is it harmful?

Legalism is strictly following moral and religious practices and expecting others to do the same. Legalism chases salvation through works instead of faith. It stresses perfect obedience to the law and creates pride and self-reliance. We should desire to fully obey God’s law out of gratitude for His mercy, but legalism forgets that there is grace. It demands perfection, though none of us can attain it. The pharisees were legalistic; in fact, many of them didn’t recognize God in the flesh-Jesus-because they were too consumed with the rules he seemed to break (such as healing on the Sabbath). Jesus did what the law failed to do-save us. We rely on Jesus, and we do our best to obey Him while constantly leaning on His grace rather than our own perfection.

Transition Statement: The narrow door had to be opened, and there was only one way for it to happen.

Main Point: Entrance to God’s kingdom only comes through Jesus.

The narrow door

The coming death

Luke 13:31–33 ESV

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33 Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’

Jesus traveled to Jewish and Gentile towns

Would assume Jewish acceptance, but no!

The response: hostility

Jesus knew what was coming

Yet he continued

Ask: Think of your circle of people. How would it feel to have them turn on you?

We have experienced to some degree

Stings and wounds deeply

Hurt even more when its people we love

The Jews were Jesus’ people

But didn’t accept Him

Rather, pursued punishment and death

Ask: What does it show you that Jesus continued his work even though Herod and the Jews wanted Him dead?

Not distracted

Fully God

Yet human emotions

Can assume he feared and dreaded

Even asks for God to spare Him (Matt. 26:39)

Still, couldn’t stop him from ministering to others bc His love

Transition Statement: Jesus’ suffering couldn’t compare to the adoration that was soon to come.

Main Point: Entrance to God’s kingdom only comes through Jesus.

The narrow door

The coming death

The future adoration

Luke 13:34–35 ESV

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

Sometimes warned, but don’t listen

Gets us in trouble

Jesus’ desperation to gather His people (ALL people)

Willing to act as bridge, but wasn’t willing to accept

Jesus’ warning: soon too late

Ask: Why do we sometimes have a tough time listening to people who warn us?

Bent on going our own way

Students = figuring things out for ourselves

Jesus’s love & desire for new life

But they wouldn’t listen

Ask: Think about the image of the hen and the chicks. What does this reveal about Jesus’ attitude towards people?

Jesus wants to shield and protect

How Jesus feels about us:

Loves us

Wants to care for us

Desires to save us

Willingly weathered our punishment and shame

Christ Connection:

While all may come to Jesus in faith for salvation, many will not, choosing to trust in some other way to be saved. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (see John 14:6)

Head: How can knowing Jesus was rejected by his own people encourage you when you feel rejected because of the way you live for Christ?

Jesus guaranteed rejection and persecution

Make fun/treat as outcasts

Not getting invited

Jesus understands

If Jesus experienced, why wouldn’t we?

He was misunderstood = we will be too

Can consider it an honor to share sufferings

Heart: In what ways have you followed rules instead of following Jesus?

Easy to to caught up in “being good”

Like the Pharisees

Impaired ability to see Jesus as Messiah

Didn’t realize need for Savior

Seeking perfection more than God’s heart (legalistic)

Can’t reach God through any other door

Hands: What might it look like to live a life of walking “through the narrow door?”

Narrow = many won’t follow

Must show others what Jesus is like

Our lives reflecting Him

Love the way He loved

Sacrifice for others

Show compassion

Boldly speak truth in love

Jesus only way = doing everything possible to guide people to Him.

Final Takeaway: Build your faith upon the foundation that Jesus is the only way.

PRAY