The Narrow Gate
The are so many ways we can go in life that end up destroying us and so few that end in a fulfilling life. Ironically, the ways that seem easy at first end up being the hardest in the end. The ways that end in peace and joy begin as difficult and restrictive. Jesus taught this lesson, illustrating it with a gated pathway.
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matt. 7:13, 14)
Jesus begins by commanding us to enter through the narrow gate. The one that is difficult and restrictive.
The wide gate is easy to get through and the pathway is easy to follow. Most people go this way so the path is well worn. If we live our lives doing what everyone else does then we are on this path.
The wide and easy way represents the way of the world, the way that Satan has so masterfully prepared to destroy people. The wide way is a trap and its apparent ease is the bait. Most of us blindly enter in, lured by the bait of ease, and are caught in the horrible trap of sin, destroyed by our own choices.
The narrow gate is difficult to get through and its pathway is hard to follow. There are not very many people going this way and they are a bit unusual. The people on this path are the ones following the leading of the Holy Spirit and making decisions based on God’s teaching in the bible.
The narrow and hard way represents the way of God. His way is contrary to our sinful nature and that is why it is so difficult. Jesus is the only person to live His entire life on this path. Yet, we are capable of following this path because Jesus is willing to live His life through us. In order to experience His life we have to give up our own, we have to take up our cross daily and die to our self.
The narrow gate and hard path is the one that leads to God, godliness, righteousness, peace, joy, life, blessing and reward. Lets all get on this path today and follow it for the rest of our lives.
