In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus presents a powerful teaching about the path to eternal life, comparing it to two distinct paths: the narrow gate and the broad way. The message is clear: the choice we make between these two paths determines our eternal destiny. Jesus’ words can sometimes be challenging, especially when He speaks of the narrow gate and the few who find it. But as we dive deeper into His message, we see a clear path of hope, open to all who choose to follow Him.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Enter by the Narrow Gate: What Does It Mean?
In this passage, Jesus invites us to “enter by the narrow gate.” But what exactly does this narrow gate represent?
Jesus Himself gives us the answer. In John 10:7-9, He declares, “I am the gate for the sheep… Whoever enters through me will be saved.”
Jesus is the narrow gate. Salvation comes through Him and Him alone. The invitation to enter through the narrow gate is not exclusive but open to all who believe in Him.
The Narrow Path: A Life of Discipleship
Once we enter through the narrow gate, we embark on a challenging journey- the Christian life.
Why is it difficult? It’s not because God wants to make it hard for us, but because the path involves self-denial, perseverance, and obedience. Living for Christ means turning away from the temptations and distractions of this world and living according to God’s will.
Following Jesus means:
*Living as a Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. We lay aside our own desires to follow Him.
*Not Conforming to the World: Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, rejecting the behaviors and customs of the world. We are to let the Holy Spirit renew, reeducate, and redirect our minds.
*Facing Persecution: Jesus warned in 2 Timothy 3:12 that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ will be persecuted. This may mean facing misunderstanding, criticism, rejection, or ridicule for our faith.
*Taking Up Our Cross: Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 that we must take up our cross and follow Him, meaning we must be willing to deny ourselves and follow God’s will for our lives.
While walking the narrow path can be strenuous, it is also overflows with blessings. Jesus promises an abundant life (John 10:10) and eternal life in His presence.
When we face difficulties, Jesus promises to carry our burdens and give us peace. He walks with us on the journey, giving us His strength to overcome every obstacle.
The road may be narrow, but it leads to a life filled with joy, purpose, and spiritual contentment that only Christ can offer.
The Broad Way: The Path of Destruction
Contrasting the narrow gate, Jesus describes the broad way that leads to destruction. The broad way represents the path of those who reject Christ or choose to live according to their own desires and the ways of the world.
This path seems spacious and comfortable, offering little resistance and accommodating all your baggage. But it ultimately leads to ruin- eternal separation from God.
Proverbs 14:12 warns us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.” Many people, even good people, mistakenly think that living a morally good life or being “spiritual” is enough to enter heaven.
But Jesus made it clear that there is no middle road. We cannot mix our way with God’s way and expect it to lead to life.
The broad way may promise freedom, but it leads to bondage. It accommodates pride, selfishness, greed, and every other sin that separates us from God.
It offers temporary pleasures but no lasting peace. It is the easy way, but it ends in destruction- eternal separation from God.
The Choice is Ours: Strive to Enter the Narrow Gate
In Luke 13:24, Jesus urges us to “strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” This striving is not about works to earn salvation, but earnestly desiring to know and follow Jesus with all our hearts.
It requires making a conscious decision to choose Jesus above everything else and to lay aside the distractions and obstacles that hinder us.
Satan wants us to delay our decision, to put it off for “later,” but the time to choose the narrow gate is now. If we wait too long, we may miss our chance.
The narrow gate is always open, but we must choose to walk through it. It is open to all who will come, and it is the only way to eternal life.
Will Many Find the Narrow Gate?
When Jesus says that “few will find it,” many people wonder if this means that heaven will be sparsely populated. Rest assured, Jesus is not suggesting that only a tiny number will make it.
In fact, the book of Revelation paints a picture of a vast, uncountable multitude before God’s throne, worshiping Him (Revelation 7:9). The “few” refers to a minority in comparison to the many who choose the broad way.
While the narrow gate is restrictive in the sense that it requires us to make a decision to follow Jesus, it is also open to anyone who sincerely chooses Him. There are no barriers based on race, nationality, wealth, or status.
The invitation is for everyone. Jesus wants everyone to come through the narrow gate, and He promises eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The Choice is Clear
The narrow gate and the broad way are two very different paths, and each leads to a very different destination. Jesus calls us to enter through the narrow gate and walk the path that leads to eternal life.
It’s a life of faith, obedience, and sacrifice, but it is also a life of joy, peace, and eternal hope.
We are not called to walk this road alone. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to live a life that honors God. And when we make mistakes, His grace is abundant to forgive and restore us.
Let us choose the narrow path, not because it is easy, but because it leads to life- abundant and eternal.
Jesus stands at the gate, inviting all to come through Him. The choice is yours: will you walk the narrow path that leads to an abundant and eternal life?
Reflections
Our goal is to live out our commitment to follow Jesus in such a way that shines His light and gives Him the glory. Do our lives make His Way seem irresistible, blessed, and filled with peace?
Do others see Jesus when they see us? Let’s show others the God we know- full of mercy and redemption, forgiveness and unending love- and accessible to all who enter through the narrow gate.
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
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