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.
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.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,
and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth,
where moths eat them and rust destroys them,
and where thieves break in and steal.
Store your treasures in heaven,
where moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal.
Wherever your treasure is,
there the desires of your heart will also be.
But when you give to someone in need,
don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Give your gifts in private,
and your Father, who sees everything,
will reward you.
So if you are presenting a sacrifice
at the altar in the Temple
and you suddenly remember
that someone has something against you,
leave your sacrifice there at the altar.
Go and be reconciled to that person.
Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
You are the light of the world—
like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.
Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand,
where it gives light to everyone in the house.
God blesses you when people mock you
and persecute you and lie about you
and say all sorts of evil things against you
because you are my followers.
Be happy about it!
Be very glad!
For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember,
the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Jesus called out to them,
“Come, follow me,
and I will show you how to fish for people!”
And they left their nets at once and followed him.