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.” Matthew 7: 13-14
The wide Pathway
The wide pathway is the road all begin on.
The Scripture supports this : we are born spiritually dead and antagonistic to Lord ( Eph.2:1, Rom 8:7) In order to be saved, we must repent and turn to Lord (acts. 2:28) Jesus says that one must choose to enter the narrow gate. No decision needs to be made to enter the broad path. This is the pathway the entire world is on. We must choose to get off this path.
The wide pathway is spacious and easy to follow.
The broad and easy way can be followed without thought. There is plenty of space to walk in, there is plenty of space for the attractive things of the world to grow and allure, there is plenty your space for a person to wander about. It is difficult to wander off its path. The broad way is the way of the unthoughtful, the undisciplined, the lazy, the worldly, the ungodly and the materialistic. This pathway is inclusive, as it includes the various views, religions and life styles in this world. It is pathway of self -achievement and works.
The wide pathway is popular.
Jesus says only few find the narrow path, and therefore, the broad are on it, it is very alluring. Those who don’t follow it are looked down upon, considered strange and often persecuted.
The wide pathway leads to destruction.
Here destruction refers to eternal ruin.(Matt 8:12, Rev. 14:11, 20:10 ). However, this ruin doesn’t just happen at the end of the pathway, it happens throughout. The world’s views on marriage, parenting, education, success etc.. all lead to constant ruin. Lord made this world based on spiritual principles. When these are denied, it causes hurt, pain, depression and even death. (Rom. 8:6) The wide pathway leads to earthly and eternal ruin.
The Narrow Pathway.
The narrow pathway refers both to the need for conversion and the continuing process of sanctification.
The narrow pathway is hard to find.
Unlike the broad way, the narrow way has to be found. For some this is easier than others. Some are raised in Christian homes and are exposed to the Gospel from a young age. Others live in places with no Gospel witness. Some hear witnesses of Lord’s existence and glory (Ps.19) but they lack any opportunity to hear biblical revelation. Others are exposed, as Christians live in their society but they have either rejected it or not considered it. Whatever a person’s situation, the narrow way is not easy to find. only few find it and even less accept it.
The narrow pathway is unpopular.
To find and follow the narrow path, one must turn away from the crowd- sometimes even leaving friends and family to do it.( Luke 14:26) sometimes it is a lonely pathway, though those who follow it are never truly alone because Jesus is with them.
The Narrow pathway must be entered by one’s deliberate and calculated choice.
To enter this narrow path, we must make a deliberate choice. We must, in faith, accept that we are sinners under God’s wrath because He is holy, perfect and just. We must cry out for God’s mercy which is found in Jesus. Christ bore the wrath for our sin so that we can have his righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21) Those who accept him shall be saved. Christ will walk with them along the narrow path of the kingdom and take them into eternity.
The Narrow pathway is restricted because of biblical revolution.
It guides and in some sense restricts both the believer’s actions and attitudes. God’s word keeps the believer from the broad path of the world.(John 8:31) Christ said ” if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples”.
The narrow pathway requires believers to leave many precious things.
We must give up the crowd and many times even our friends and family. In (Luke 14:26) Jesus said that if anyone wants to follow him he must hate his father, mother, brother, sister and even his own life to be his disciple.
The narrow pathway is difficult.
It is difficult for many reasons. We will always battle sin. We will fight against ungodly attitudes and actions. We must declare war against our body, as we pluck out our eye and cut off our arm to be holy.( Matt.5:29:30 ) following Christ is a call to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect.
The narrow pathway leads to life.
Ultimately, those who follow this narrow path will spend eternity in the heavenly kingdom. They will rule with Christ on this earth. ( Matt. 5:5)
Prayer
Lord, we thank you so much for teaching us about two pathways – one leading to destruction and the other leading to life. Lord help us to choose wisely, for our eternal destiny depends on this choice. Amen
Sol. Dr. Mohan Parmar