The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls

by Rich Villodas

A compelling call to embrace the countercultural values of Jesus, which lead to a life of love, peace, and fulfillment, from the bestselling author of The Deeply Formed Life, winner of the Christianity Today Book Award.

“In The Narrow Path, Rich unpacks what living our best life truly looks like. This book is a much-needed heart checkup for every Jesus follower.”—Christine Caine, founder of A21 and Propel Women

We live in a culture that wants it all. More is seen as better—whether it’s more money, social media fame, choices, or power. For those chasing this way of life, “narrow” seems negative. Who wants to narrow their options . . . or be seen as narrow-minded?

Which is why the most well-known talk in the history of the world—the Sermon on the Mount—is also the most paradoxical one. In it, Jesus holds up the narrow path as the most spacious . . . and the broader path as the more confining one.

Rich Villodas, bestselling author of The Deeply Formed Life, explores what today’s broad and narrow paths look like so you can discern which one you’re on. The answer may surprise you—and will help you pursue the way of Jesus more deeply when it comes to loving God and others, prayer, sexual desire, conflict, money, anxiety, and more.

The Narrow Path reintroduces the counterintuitive wonder of Jesus’s timeless wisdom for this age, one fraught with anxiety, depression, polarizing politics, and online vitriol. The path of Jesus is most certainly narrow, but it is the only one filled with the ever-expanding life of God . . . and it is available now for all who want it!

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Discipleship, Audiobook, Christian Non Fiction

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large, multiracial church with more than seventy-three countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. Prior to becoming lead pastor, he gave oversight to New Life's small group ministry and served as preaching pastor. Rich graduated with a BA in pastoral ministry and theology from Nyack College. He went on to complete his master's of divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, and preaching and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related issues, and the art of preaching. He's been married to Rosie since 2006 and they have two beautiful children, Karis and Nathan.

Reviews

[Katie Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world that glorifies "more," Rich Villodas reintroduces the paradox of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. The Narrow Path explores today's broad and narrow paths, revealing surprising truths to help you pursue Jesus's way in love, prayer, conflict, and more, amidst an anxious and polarized society.

Pastor Rich has a special pulse on counter-cultural spiritual growth- even counter church culture 👀 If you’re like me and grew up wondering what exactly the ‘narrow’ path was compared to the ‘broad path of destruction’, this guide clearly outlines how the values Jesus teaches in The Sermon on the Mount (the narrow path) offer freedom from cultural enslavement (the broad path). But Pastor Rich isn’t simply insightful, it’s his unique ability to illustrate these values in a manner that both depicts truth and offers accessible application that makes this book authentic and transformative. This is a must read for anyone desiring to be spiritually formed by Jesus’ principles.

Thank you @waterbrookmultnomah @netgalley for the eARC 🤍 Already looking froward to @richvillodas next book!

Perfect for you if you like:
Practical applications of biblical teachings
Counter-cultural Christian living
Guidance of being intentionally spiritually formed
Discipleship & spiritual growth

Similar to:
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Peter Scazzero
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

[Lizzy Brannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a follower of Jesus, it is very good to be reminded often that His ways, methods, priorities, and focuses were subversive, yet loving. Upside down, yet completely level. Courageous, yet submissive. His pace is peace. His call for us to take up our crosses and follow Him is satisfying to the soul.

In The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls, Rich Villodas calls the followers of Jesus to embrace the countercultural, upside-down- kingdom way of living. On this path, using teachings from Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 & 6, we see that the last shall be first, the weak become strong, the poor are given the kingdom, treasures are stored in Heaven instead of on Earth, forgiveness and love are bestowed on our enemies, the meek inherit the earth, and we are slow to anger and retaliation. Along this narrow path, seeking righteousness in humility, we are promised satisfaction in our souls.

The Beatitudes and this entire sermon recorded in Matthew was done in the presence of around 5000 men, women, and children. During its time, it was regarded as mind-blowing and completely counter-cultural. IT STILL IS. Paul warns us in Romans not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed through the daily renewing of our minds. This book was a beautiful renewing of my mind and heart. Rich writes with a compelling voice, spurring us on the journey as we walk this narrow road together, providing a reminder that we can have hope for today and tomorrow.

A very special thanks to Rich Villodas, NetGalley, and WaterBrook & Multnomah for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jake Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew. This is easily the best and most challenging book I've read this year. Villodas has a way of teasing out the meaning of the Sermon on the Mount in a way that is incredibly compelling. He doesn't sugarcoat the difficulty of Jesus's most famous set of teachings, yet he also points the reader to the power of the Holy Spirit, power that is strong enough to overcome our devotion to the world and redirect us to the life-giving narrow path Jesus offers to each of his followers. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and plan to revisit it often.

[Kristie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels that the Sermon on the Mount is more relevant in our current culture than any other time I can recall. (I am sure people have said this many times through the past centuries).
I enjoyed stepping slowing through Matt 5-7 with Rich. Although not theologically dense, his examples are poignant and very current.
I appreciated being reminded that the Beatitudes are our definition of what goodness looks like on a daily basis.
Mostly, I am encouraged that living like Jesus is possible- the narrow way is indeed difficult, but worthy of a King that died for us.

[José Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

a simple and approachable intro to the sermon on the mount

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working through a Sermon on the Mount study rn, this was a great resource! Not as deep in the contextual/historical pieces as I’d maybe wish but still really good

[Kayti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. I will always read everything by Rich Villodas. This one did not disappoint. It was deep and authentic but also very practical. My walk with Jesus has been strengthened as I’ve listened to this for the last week or so.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. I think it’s rare to read a theological book that aims to instruct/form the reader in the authors perception of Jesus and think “I endorse 100% of the authors words in this book.”

But Im pretty sure I endorse 100% of Rich’s words in this book.

So good. Pastor Rich does an amazing job of expanding on Matthew 5-7 while being comprehensively nuanced enough to appropriately target the diverse thoughts and experiences found in the body of Christ.

I am gonna need to buy like 20 copies to give away.

[Laney Dugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid book from Rich Villodas! I enjoyed and appreciated his concise and relevant way of working through the Sermon on the Mount as a subversive way of Jesus, and especially appreciated his handling of the chapter on money and possessions. This book is filled with gems of wisdom!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Villodas points out that, even though Jesus said the way is narrow, it is not a restriction. Rather, it is getting to the core of what it means to be human and live life as God designed. Villodas gives us encouragement to be on this path and stay on it.

Life on this path is upside down compared to how the world wants us to live. His teaching on being hidden is one I really appreciated. Jesus lived in obscurity with regard to the rest of the world. We are not to be announcing out good works on social media, for example. Another important aspect of this book is Villodas reminding us we can only do this through God's empowerment so prayer is essential.

A surprise for me was Villodas saying we do not do the life described in the Sermon on the Mount so that we will be blessed. (I'd been taught we would be blessed if we do these things or show that character trait.) He says we do them because we are already blessed and it is an outworking of our character.

This book is a good teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, especially on topics like money and anxiety. New and seasoned Christians will benefit from reading it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an good, solid book about the Sermon on the Mount. Very straightforward, easy to read, and some deep truths. It's almost not fair to this book because I happened to just finish reading Hearing God by Dallas Willard right before.

A big reminder to me was I don't necessarily need to read a big chunk of the Bible to connect with God. If it's a struggle to start, I can just focus on one or two verses and meditate on them.

Also, continue to limit consumption. Increase giving when I start feeling the temptation to buy more things for myself that I don't need.

Quotes:
"Things that matter most never come easy. The greater the demand, the deeper the payoff. The greater the challenge, the more profound the joy when it is met."

"Instead of adding flavor to others, we either under-season (distance ourselves from the world) or over-season (try to dominate the world). Too little salt and too much salt ruin a dish; the same applies to our relationship with the world."

"If faith makes no practical difference in the way we live, there's a disconnect. The biggest hindrance to the gospel is not atheism or some other religion; it's when Christian faith is expressed in name only. The quality of our faith is not in what we claim to believe; rather, it flows from our intimate communion with God that is expressed in love for others, in accordance with the Father's will."

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite by Villodas. A wonderful, simple look and walk through of the sermon on the mount.

Villodas walks us through various aspects of the sermon on the mount: money, anxiety, enemies, lust, prayer, and more. He simply describes what it is like to live Jesus’ teachings today and he concludes every chapter with all eyes on the way that God himself did the things he commands in the person of Jesus.

I think those of us who have followed Jesus for a while (and ESPECIALLY those of us who grew up in the church) take the beauty and simplicity of Jesus ethical and moral teachings for granted. I loved this book. It removed me from some of the heavy theology that beckons my attention (the deep stuff is novel and more fun, ya know?) and instead recentered me on how marvelously ordinary and world changing the narrow path that Jesus wants us to walk is. I mean, imagine if you REALLY lived this sermon. What a wonderful life that would be!!

Loved this one. High on my list for books for new believers (specifically ones who grew up outside the church) as well.

[Rodrigo Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Good, Beatiful and Kind and it challenged me to consider again Jesus’ character. Now, in the Narrow Path, Pastor Rich Villodas goes into a pretty know passage and delivers a honest perspective on how this is not a “to-be list” of a Christian but a description to which we can compare our lives.

I love the way he shares, unapologetically, his own struggles on living up to Christ standards, but at the same time, he shares the hope of the gospel, showing that the narrow path leads to a all-enriching Life in God.

Chapters on anger, money and self-righteousness were particularly hard to swallow (but needed).

I wish this book was also in Spanish.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You gotta love a Pastor’s book that starts out with a Harry Potter reference. Throughout “The Narrow Path”, I found myself in a constant state of self reflection. I laughed, contemplated and lamented. Someone in the reviews called this a “Heart Checkup” for every Jesus follower, and I very much agree. The text offers an accessible and comprehensive look into Jesus’s teachings in “The Sermon on the Mount”, (in which Rich fondly refers to as “The best Ted Talk ever written” LOL.). We need more Pastors who address and prepare us for the nuances of today’s world. A perfect election year release. “How you love others, is how you love God” & “Our love for our neighbor is proof of our love for God”. This was so good and I will definitely be re-reading.

[Amanda Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sermon on the Mount remains a challenging, encouraging and surprising teaching that I need to revisit more often. I thought Rich’s breakdown of the sections was approachable to anyone and I was personally challenged by the section about our money and our decisions.

I will say jumping into this right after reading John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way felt like they were companion reads as they both spoke to following the narrow path that actually opens us up to a life better lived by following Jesus wholeheartedly.

[Brandon Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To seek God's kingdom first is to have our entire value system transformed, or at least questioned. It is to view God in a new light—one marked by compassionate care.

It means we view our possessions through a new lens, seeing them as gifts to be shared and stewarded for the blessing of others rather than as things to be stockpiled.

It means we look at our lives with a fresh perspective, seeing ourselves as beloved children, not faceless and nameless objects.”

[Callie Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read November-December for YA group sessions. Rich guides readers thru Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and instructs disciples of Jesus to pursue the narrow path that leads to life. Topics discussed include: loving your enemies, money, anxiety, lust, decision-making, and relationships. In all of these categories, our lives should be marked by the love and grace of Jesus as we pursue His heart and Kingdom here in earth.

[Logan Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is insightful, pastoral, and unpacks one of Jesus' most important teachings in a relevant, understandable, and convicting manner. I'm thankful for Rich Villodas' insight and work on this book and how it has encouraged me in my pursuit of walking the narrow path of Jesus. Definitely a great book worth picking up.

[Keith Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book, way more devotional than I expected. It wasn’t really about the sermon on the mount, but just some key themes from it. After spending the last year listening to bible project on sermon on the mount it wasn’t as in depth as I hoped.

[Grady Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this… cannot recommend enough

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

good overview of main point from sermon on the mount! if you like Rich Villodas, you’ll like this book.

[Tyler Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good book on the Sermon on the Mount. Rich does an awesome job showing the way of Jesus in our world today. This was a challenging and encouraging read! :)

[Nathanael Hoeft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great dive into the Sermon on the Mount, the place to start reading in the Bible to understand what it means to follow God. Villodas writes in a convicting way to challenge us to see how we can understand God more and be more amazed by the radical teachings of Jesus.

[Vicki Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good and calibrating information in a surprisingly easy-to-read book.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already thinking that I'll need to start rereading this soon. It's solid and engaging and made me want to follow Jesus better, which--after all--is the entire point.

[April Rhines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and practical in application of the sermon on the mount/beatitudes. I listened to the book, but I might purchase it because there were a few helpful lists for decision making etc

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still thinking about this one. Lots of good things to chew on.

[Anju Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life guide to the Sermon on the Mount!

[Noah Probst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich has done it again! He eloquently explains through this work of art how following Jesus, with all its challenges, ultimately leads to all that our souls need. I’d highly recommend this for anybody curious or wanting to grow more from Jesus’ teachings.

[Hannah Rafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep, introspective look at the Sermon on the Mount - full of applicable challenges and deeply encouraging to walk the Narrow Path