This week, we continue our Counter-Fit series by looking at Jesus’ claims of exclusivity. In Matthew 7:13-27, Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a warning to his disciples, the crowd, and the religious establishment. At the heart of the warning is a choice. There is no middle ground; you are either with Jesus or you are against him. Jesus makes it clear that the choice has eternal consequences. For centuries, the church has claimed the exclusivity of Christ within polytheistic cultures, which prefer to pick and choose among a variety of deities, values, and ideologies. This continues today as many in our culture (including many churches) openly express their belief that “There are many roads leading to heaven.” This is not what the Bible teaches. Therefore, many find the message of exclusivity offensive. Moreover, Jesus challenges his followers to take careful stock of their faith, emphasizing that true allegiance to Christ Jesus is expressed through our actions, not merely our associations.

In preparation for this Sunday, read Matthew 7:13-29.