Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 7:13-14
Other Scripture References: Exodus 23:2; Proverbs 14:12; Luke 9:51; Philippians 3:14; Psalm 37:5

INTRO–‘Which Path Are You On?’

Life is definitely a journey and every one is on a path…the big question is which path are you on? There are many paths, like the road to riches, the pathway to enlightenment, easy street, partying down the highway to hell, and best of all, the stairway to heaven. The season of Lent is a great time to reflect and evaluate your life to ask those hard questions like ‘Where am I truly heading?’

• Have you given up anything for lent this year? What is your main purpose for this season’s ‘sacrifice?’


• Of the above roads which one describes your path and why?

ROAD SIGNS–Read Matthew 7:13-14 & Exodus 23:2

Jesus makes it very clear in Matthew that there are really only two roads you can take, one that leads to destruction and one that leads to life. And it is also clear that the narrow path is the road that is less traveled. Every day you actually choose which road you are going to take, the road that the culture and crowds are taking or the road of Jesus, which is a road of disciplined living, commitment, challenge, and sacrifice. Following Jesus is not only believing in him, it is taking a life journey with him, following wherever he leads and doing whatever he asks. That is true discipleship.

• How well are you following the path of Jesus and true life? How do you know you are on the right path?


• Which ‘easy road’ characteristic entices you most; taking short cuts, wanting quick answers, avoiding the hard stuff, or ‘everyone is doing it?” Why?


• Describe a time you followed the crowd and it really got you in trouble?

DARING TO BE DIFFERENT–Read Proverbs 14:12

This call to journey down the road less traveled with Jesus is really a call to be counter-cultural, daring to be different from the world around you. When you are following Jesus, your friends, neighbors, and even strangers should think that you are in some way different and that you stand out from the crowd. You see its counter-cultural Jesus followers that make real and lasting changes in this world, bringing peace and life to people around them. It is counter-cultural Jesus followers who buck the crowd and build the kingdom of God bringing light to dark places, and hope to those in need.

• What challenges you the most when thinking about being a counter-cultural follower of Jesus?


• Who do you know that exhibits a Jesus following counter-culture lifestyle? What do they do?


• Have you ever stepped out to do something for God that really went against the norm of our culture? What happened?

FOLLOWING JESUS–Read Luke 9:51 & Philippians 3:14

How then can you know for sure that you are on the right path? The answer is that if you are following Jesus you will doing the same things that Jesus did while here on the earth. Jesus found himself reaching out to those who were marginalized, helping those who were struggling, correcting those who became too pious, and forgiving those who needed a second, third and fourth chance. This road less traveled is not an easy one for sure, but it is a rewarding one. And even though it might seem hard, God has wired you for this abundant adventure filled life where you will find purpose and fulfillment, and find it to the full. Read Psalm 37:5.

• How has God already blessed you while walking down this road less traveled?


• What do you need to do to get on or stay on this road with Jesus? Do you need help from this group?