“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.”
In our verse for today, Jesus uses the word “gate” as a metaphor for the decision one makes toward a lifestyle, and “way” to represent the lifestyle itself. There are only two gates leading to two ways, and everyone must pass through one or the other.
The first gate that Jesus mentions is wide. This refers to the fact that one can enter it easily and from many directions. The entrance is wide, because the terms of entrance have been determined by human beings, rather than by God. Whatever your view, all are accepted at this gate—no judgment.
The wide gate leads to the first way, and Jesus says that this way is easy. This way does not require submission to God’s authority. It is not hard, because no sacrifice is required to take it. “Live and let live” is its motto.
Many people choose this first gate and way because the gate is wide and the way is easy. The trouble is, it leads to destruction.
The second gate that Jesus mentions is narrow. This refers to the fact that there is only one way to enter it. The entrance is narrow because the terms of entrance have been specifically determined by God, rather than by human beings. One must accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in order to go through it. Indeed, Jesus Christ is Himself the gate or door (John 10:7).
The narrow gate leads to the second way, and Jesus says that this way is hard. This way does require submission to God’s authority, and to pass along it, one must practice denial of self and submission to God (Matthew 16:24).
Relative to the first gate, few choose the second gate and way for the very reason that the gate is narrow and the way is hard. The good thing is, it leads to life.
If you follow the wide-and-easy crowd, it will end in destruction. If you follow the few through the narrow gate of Christ, it will end in eternal life.
