The Life and Ministry of Jesus
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13–14
In his first concluding warning—the “two ways”—Jesus talked about the rigors of true discipleship. The narrow gate is the way of personal faith in Christ. This is precisely what the Pharisees missed so badly.
The Pharisees used the wide … gate, which is the normal human tendency toward dependence on self-righteousness. The number of people who would, historically, find the narrow way has by now mounted into the millions, if not billions. But Jesus’ few is a relative term. The true servant of the kingdom will always be in the minority. 1
Personal Encouragement
The narrow way is not the popular way, but it is the only certain way to a satisfying life. Does your life decisions represent “Broadway” or the “Narrow-way?”
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24
To be in the minority with Jesus, is to be in a place of a major victory.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for leading me to Your narrow gate that is always open.
1. Weber, S. K. (2000). Matthew (Vol. 1). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
