Message Notes

Why is Jesus significant to me if I’m fine without Him?  Jesus’ teaching and life reveal truth about truth about who WE are and who HE is.  The Golden rule that Jesus taught and lived out shows the depth of insight Jesus has into the human heart.  It also serves as a footing for faith in what we can’t empirically experience before death, which is if He really is God and there is life after death.  We also can’t pick and choose what we approve of Jesus, but be willing to accept ALL that He said and did.  Check out this message to hear one of the most popular teachings of Jesus sheds light on one of the most difficult to accept.

Matthew 7:12-14, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, John 14:3-7

Jesus modeled the SOLUTION to relational turmoil.

Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Jesus showed the ONLY way to be RIGHT with God.

Matthew 7:13-14 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell 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.”

1 Timothy 2:1-6 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.”

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.’”

Small Group Questions

What opinions do people hold of Jesus? Why do you think Jesus is significant?

Read Matthew 7:12-14 & 1 Timothy 2:1-6 silently. What is the setting (who is speaking, who is listening, where/when are they, etc.)? What verses stick out to you?

What’s the challenge in living out what Matthew 7:12 says?  Why do you think Jesus was able to perfect it?

What is your first reaction to Matthew 7:13-14?  What confusion surrounds these verses?  How would you describe the meaning?

How do you feel 1 Timothy 2:1-6 relates to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14?  What does this teach us about how God views us?

Main Idea

Jesus won’t let us think of Him as a good man, but makes us decide if He’s the Son of God who made us right with the one true God.