In Matthew 21:28–46, Jesus tells two powerful parables that confront the gap between what we say and how we live. Through the story of two sons and the tenants of the vineyard, Jesus challenges religious leaders, and us, to examine obedience, repentance, and the fruit our lives produce. This episode explores what it means to truly do the Father’s will, the danger of rejecting God’s authority, and the hope found in responding to Him with humility and faith.

In this episode, we journey from the roadside outside Jericho to the heart of Jerusalem as Jesus moves steadily toward the cross. In Matthew 20:29–21:27, the blind cry out for mercy—and truly see who Jesus is—while religious leaders with sight struggle to recognize His authority. We explore the Triumphal Entry, the cleansing of the temple, and the growing tension as Jesus confronts misplaced worship, hollow religion, and challenged power. As crowds shout “Hosanna” and tables are overturned, one central question echoes through the passage: By what authority does Jesus do these things?

In Matthew 20:17–28, Jesus turns our ideas of power and success completely upside down. As He predicts His suffering and death, the disciples are still chasing status and position—prompting Jesus to redefine what true greatness really looks like. In this episode, we explore the tension between ambition and humility, the meaning of “drinking the cup,” and Jesus’ radical call to servant leadership.

In this episode, we walk through Matthew 19:22–20:16 and take a closer look at how Jesus challenges the way we think about success, reward, and fairness. From the rich young man who can’t quite let go, to the disciples wondering what following Jesus will really cost them, and finally to the surprising parable of the workers in the vineyard, we see just how different God’s kingdom is from the systems we’re used to.

Jesus invites us to wrestle with some honest questions: What are we holding onto? What do we expect in return for our faithfulness? And how do we respond when God’s grace feels… unfair?

This passage reminds us that following Jesus isn’t about earning our place—it’s about trusting a God who is generous beyond measure, whether we arrive early or late.

In Matthew 19:1–22, Jesus addresses some of the toughest questions people still wrestle with today—commitment, obedience, and what it truly means to follow Him. From conversations about marriage and faithfulness to a powerful encounter with the rich young ruler, this passage challenges surface-level religion and points toward wholehearted discipleship.

Happy New Year from the Narrow Trail! We pray blessings and favor for you in this new year, heres to walking the Narrow Trail with Jesus in 2026.

In Matthew 18:10–35, Jesus shows us how deeply God values every person—and how seriously He takes forgiveness. From the shepherd who refuses to abandon even one lost sheep, to the shocking parable of a servant forgiven an unpayable debt, this passage challenges the way we view mercy, justice, and grace. In this episode, we’ll explore why forgiveness isn’t optional for followers of Jesus, what it reveals about our hearts, and how remembering what we’ve been forgiven changes the way we treat others.

n this episode, we walk through Matthew 17:22–18:9, where Jesus reshapes how His followers understand greatness, freedom, and holiness. As He predicts His death, pays the temple tax, and places a child at the center of the disciples’ argument, Jesus reveals that life in God’s kingdom is marked by humility, trust, and serious devotion.

Merry Christmas from the Narrow Trail!

In Matthew 17:1–13, Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain where they witness a moment of breathtaking glory—the Transfiguration. As Jesus is revealed in divine splendor and the voice of God speaks, the disciples are confronted with who Jesus truly is and what it means to listen to Him.

In this episode, we explore why this moment mattered, how it prepared the disciples for what was coming next, and what it teaches us about faith, obedience, and seeing Jesus clearly—even when the path ahead is difficult.