“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.”- Matthew 7:13-14 NIV
In the Gospel of John Jesus tells his listeners that he is the gate by which men can be saved. “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” [John 10:7-9 NLT] In today’s text he references the same gate he speaks of in John. It’s part of his Sermon on the Mount. Thru this illustration, Jesus is telling his listeners that it is thru him and him alone that someone can enter heaven.
“This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:11-12 NLT] Jesus is the only way to enjoy an eternity with our Heavenly Father. He is the only way to have our sin debt paid for in full.
The narrow gate doesn’t signify that it’s difficult to become a Christian, but rather that there’s only one way to reach heaven. When he says only a few find it I believe that ‘few’ is in comparison to the trillions of people that have been born and died on the earth. Comparatively speaking, the number of believers is few in view of all humanity that has existed thru the ages. Living your life by following the example laid out by Jesus and by God’s word is certainly not the most popular or most comfortable way to live in light of how most people live, but it is the only way that in the end will prove to be true and right. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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