Enter
in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7 [7.] “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7 [13.] “Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How[a] narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.
Matthew 7 [15.] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 7:14 TR reads “Because” instead of “How.”
Meaning:
This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about the characteristics and expectations of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. These verses specifically address the choices we make in life and the consequences that follow, contrasting the way of the world with the way of righteousness.
- The Broad and Narrow Paths
"Enter in by the narrow gate": Jesus begins with an imperative—He commands us to choose the narrow gate. This gate represents the entrance to a life of true discipleship, characterized by obedience to God and commitment to following Jesus. The narrow gate is not an easy choice; it requires deliberate decision-making and often involves self-denial and sacrifice.
Deliberate Choice: The narrow gate must be sought out; it’s not the obvious or easy path. Choosing this gate means rejecting the allure of the world’s values, which often promise immediate gratification but ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness. The narrow gate symbolizes a life lived according to God’s will, often in contrast to societal norms.
"For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction": The wide gate and broad way are contrasted with the narrow path. This represents the easy, popular path that many choose to follow. It’s a path of least resistance, requiring little to no effort or commitment to God’s principles. This broad way is appealing because it allows people to follow their desires and live according to their own rules without regard for God’s commands.
The Danger of the Broad Path: The broad path is deceptive; it appears to be the way of freedom and fulfillment, but it leads to destruction. Jesus is warning us that this path, though attractive and well-traveled, ultimately ends in spiritual ruin. It’s a sobering reminder that the majority’s choice is not always the right one.
"How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life!": Jesus emphasizes the difficulty of the path that leads to life. The way is not just narrow; it’s restricted, indicating that it’s a path that demands discipline, perseverance, and sometimes suffering. This life, however, is not just about enduring hardships; it’s about finding true, abundant life in Christ—eternal life that begins now and extends into eternity.
Life Through Christ: The narrow path leads to life, a life that is found in relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Walking this path means living a life that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus, embodying love, humility, and obedience to God.
"Few are those who find it": Jesus concludes with a sobering truth—only a few will find the narrow path that leads to life. This isn’t because the way is hidden, but because it requires a willingness to seek it out and a readiness to walk in it, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. The scarcity of those who find it speaks to the challenge of true discipleship and the tendency of people to choose the easier, broader path.
The Significance of the Narrow Gate
The imagery of the narrow gate and the broad way is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey and the choices we make along the way:
A Call to Commitment: Jesus’ teaching calls us to a level of commitment that goes beyond superficial faith. It’s a call to a deep, personal relationship with God, one that affects every aspect of our lives. The narrow gate requires us to make choices that align with God’s will, even when those choices are difficult or countercultural.
Warning Against Complacency: The broad way is a warning against complacency and the danger of following the crowd. It’s easy to get swept up in the current of popular opinion and cultural trends, but Jesus reminds us that such a path leads to destruction. The narrow way, though more challenging, is the path that leads to life.
The Reality of Spiritual Choices: These verses underscore the reality that spiritual choices have consequences. The path we choose has eternal significance—one leads to life, the other to destruction. This reality should prompt us to consider carefully the choices we make and the direction of our lives.
Application for Our Lives
Matthew 7:13-14 challenges us to examine our lives and the choices we are making:
Choosing the Narrow Path Daily: Walking through the narrow gate isn’t a one-time decision but a daily choice to follow Jesus. This means continually evaluating our decisions, actions, and priorities to ensure they align with God’s will.
Resisting the Pressure of the Broad Way: In a world that often values comfort, success, and self-fulfillment, we must resist the pressure to conform to these values when they conflict with God’s commands. The broad way might be tempting, but we are called to stand firm in our faith and follow the narrow way, even when it’s difficult.
Encouraging Others on the Journey: Knowing that the narrow way is difficult and that few find it, we should be motivated to encourage and support others in their spiritual journey. This can involve sharing the gospel, providing guidance, and walking alongside others as they navigate the challenges of following Jesus.
Cross-References:
Luke 13:24: "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able." This verse reinforces the idea that entering through the narrow gate requires effort and intentionality.
Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." This proverb aligns with the teaching of the broad way leading to destruction, reminding us that what seems easy or right in our eyes can have dire consequences if it’s not aligned with God’s will.
John 10:9: "I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture." Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the door, or gate, to salvation, emphasizing that the narrow way is ultimately about coming to Him and finding life in Him.
Conclusion: Matthew 7:13-14 is a profound reminder of the choices we face in life and the eternal significance of those choices. Jesus calls us to enter through the narrow gate, to choose the path that leads to life, even though it’s difficult and few find it. This passage challenges us to live with intentionality, to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, and to resist the temptation to follow the easy, popular path that leads to destruction. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to seek the narrow way, knowing that it leads to true and abundant life in Christ.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible