DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday June 14, 2023,  This is my beloved Son; he has my approval. Listen to him (Matt. 17:5).

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Wednesday June 14

This is my beloved Son; he has my approval. Listen to him (Matt. 17:5).

After Easter in the year 32, the apostles Peter, James, and John witnessed an amazing vision. On a high mountain, possibly on one of the foothills of Mount Hermon, Jesus was transfigured before them. The Bible recounts: “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became bright as light” (Matt. 17: 1-4). The apostles heard God say: “This is my beloved Son; he has my approval. Listen to him." By their way of living, the three of them showed that they really listened to Jesus, and we want to follow his example. How grateful we are that Jehovah lovingly directs us through Jesus Christ, who is “head of the congregation” (Eph. 5:23). Just like the apostles Peter, James, and John, let us be determined to listen to him. If we do, we will receive many blessings now and we will be happy for all eternity. w21.12 51:

"ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE"

According to Matthew 7:13, 14, what should we do?

(Read Matthew 7:13, 14.) Notice that Jesus said that there are two gates and that each one leads to a different path, one “broad” and one “narrow”. There are no more ways. Each of us must decide which one to go for. It is the most important decision we will make because our eternal life depends on it.

How would you describe the “spacious” road?

We should be very clear about the differences between the two paths. The “broad” path is the one that many choose because it is easy to navigate. Unfortunately, many decide to stay in it, following the crowd. They do not realize that it is Satan, the Devil, who wants them to go down this path that leads to death (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; 1 John 5:19).

What efforts have some made to find the narrow way and to start walking on it?

Unlike the “broad” way, the other way is “narrow”, and Jesus said that few find it. Because? Interestingly, in the very next verse, Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets (Matt. 7:15). By some estimates, there are thousands of religions, and most of them claim to teach the truth. With so much religion, millions of people feel discouraged and confused, and they no longer even try to find the path that leads to life. But they can find it, for Jesus said: “If you abide in my teachings, you are really my disciples; they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free” (John 8:31, 32). Good thing you didn't follow the crowd, but searched for the truth. He began an in-depth study of God's Word to learn its standards and listened to the teachings of Jesus. For example, he learned that Jehovah expects us to reject what false religions teach and to stop participating in celebrations and customs that are pagan in origin. He also discovered that sometimes it is not easy to do what Jehovah asks of us and leave behind practices of which he disapproves (Matt. 10: 34-36). It may have been hard for you to make these changes, but because you loved your heavenly Father and wanted his approval, you didn't give up. Jehovah must be very pleased with you (Prov. 27:11). It may have been hard for you to make these changes, but because you loved your heavenly Father and wanted his approval, you didn't give up. Jehovah must be very pleased with you (Prov. 27:11). It may have been hard for you to make these changes, but because you loved your heavenly Father and wanted his approval, you didn't give up. Jehovah must be very pleased with you (Prov. 27:11).

According to Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133, what can help us stay on the narrow path?

If we have already started to go down the narrow path, what can help us to stay on it? Let's put a comparison. In some countries, narrow mountain roads have a safety barrier on the edges that serves to protect the driver and his vehicle. This barrier prevents them from getting too close to the edge or even falling off a cliff. Isn't it true that no driver would complain that this barrier is too restrictive? Well, Jehovah's standards found in the Bible are like those barriers: They serve to keep us on the narrow path. (Read Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133.)

How should young people view the narrow path?

Young man, do you sometimes find that Jehovah's standards are too restrictive? That is what Satan wants you to think. He tries to get you to notice what the people on the broad road are doing and how much they seem to be having fun. He wants you to believe that you are not enjoying yourself as much as your schoolmates and the people you see online, and that Jehovah's standards are robbing you of the good things in life.b But remember that Satan does not care that those who go by your way see what awaits you at the end of the journey. However, Jehovah has given you a clear picture of what those who stay on the path that leads to life will receive (Ps. 37:29; Is. 35:5, 6; 65:21-23).

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