The Narrow Gate

"Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many that go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Matthew 7:13,14

 

Jesus is not giving options, he is stating fact. The way to life is a way in which his word rules. The way is made of a unique substance called truth. It is stronger than any metal found on earth, the reason for this is that is is heavenly.

This metal not only protects it gives life and strength to all who pass through.  It is a precious metal, worth more than money can buy. In the book of proverbs we are exhorted to buy truth and not sell it. To hang it as a garland around our necks.

The way to life is chosen by few. Why is that? Perhaps because the ways of truth don't allow for the watered down version that the world gives. The world's truth is indulgent, fat and lazy. It cannot fit into the narrow way, it fact the purity of the narrow way frightens it.

In the following verses Jesus goes on to describe the types of people who are on the wide road. He talks about false prophets, people who sound good but their lives say are empty and devoid of fruit, good fruit.

He then goes deeper, "not everyone who calls me 'Lord Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father". Jesus sees through the pretense to the heart. What is the motivation of the heart?

On the narrow way, where life dwells there is no falsehood, no pretense, just truth. How refreshing!