A well-worn path symbolizes a road not leading to life, as highlighted by Jesus' teachings that emphasize a challenging and counterintuitive way of living. The idea of the Kingdom of God touching earth calls individuals to transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries, encouraging them to love their neighbors as themselves. Such values as forgiveness and turning the other cheek are presented as paths to true life. Moreover, the metaphor of doors and gates connects to the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Garden of Eden, signifying choices and paths in life. Life is depicted as a journey, with decisions at forks representing significant choices that shape one's path. This is paralleled in Psalm 1, which contrasts the ways of the righteous and the wicked. The concept of a path serves as shorthand for the life decisions that determine an individual's direction and ultimate fate.
Sermon on the Mount E34 – Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount by presenting his listeners with a choice, illustrated in three parts. He first describes two gates and two paths. The narrow gate is difficult to enter, but it opens up the way to life. The wide gate is easy to navigate, but it leads to ruin. In this episode, Tim and Jon explore the choice we all must make after listening to Jesus’ words and how the decision to live out our true calling as humans is challenged daily by paths that appear easier.
Timestamps
- Chapter 1: The Wide and Narrow Gates We Walk Through (0:00-12:49)
- Chapter 2: The Narrow Door (12:49-28:32)
- Chapter 3: The Few and the Many (28:32-45:16)
Referenced Resources
Show Music
- Original Sermon on the Mount music by Richie Kohen
- BibleProject theme song by TENTS
- “Golden” by Aarigod
- “Longing” by Chase Mackintosh
Show Credits
Jon Collins is the creative producer for today's show. Production of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; and Colin Wilson, producer. Stephanie Tam is our consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer. Frank Garza and Aaron Olsen edited today's episode. Aaron Olsen also provided the sound design and mix for today's episode. Nina Simone does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Today’s hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones, and Tim Mackie is our lead scholar.
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