A Warning to Obey

Following Jesus is both challenging and the only way that leads to life. (vv. 13–14)

Responding in faith to Jesus necessarily involves the ongoing work of obedience. (vv. 15–23)

True prophets, like true disciples, are known by their fruit. (vv. 16, 20–21)

Application

Doing the will of God as revealed in the teaching of Jesus is the wise response that leads to life. (vv. 24–27).

Discussion Questions

1. Looking back over the Sermon on the Mount, what do you think Jesus has in mind when he refers to obeying the will of the Father or good fruit?
2. In this part of the sermon, Jesus makes some startling claims to authority. Imagine you are in the audience, what might shock or surprise you?
3. As you look back on the whole Sermon on the Mount, how would you explain to someone else what it means to follow Jesus?