The Narrow Gate
Matthew 7:13-14 ESV
[13] “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. [14] For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Source: https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.7.13-14.ESV
ESV: “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.
NIV: “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.1
NKJV: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find2 it.
Understanding the Context
Matthew 7 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the characteristics of those who are truly His followers. He talks about judging others, prayer, and the importance of doing God's will. In this passage, Jesus describes two paths: a wide and easy path that leads to destruction and a narrow and difficult path that leads to life.
The Two Paths
The wide gate and easy way represent a life that is focused on worldly pleasures, self-gratification, and following the crowd. It's the path of least resistance, where people prioritize comfort, popularity, and material possessions over spiritual values and God's will.
The narrow gate and hard way represent a life of following Jesus Christ. It's a path that requires sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to go against the flow. It's a life of putting God first, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
Choosing the Narrow Gate
Jesus makes it clear that the narrow gate is the path that leads to life, but it's not the easy path. It requires intentionality, discipline, and a willingness to deny ourselves and follow Christ.
Applying This to Our Lives
How can we apply this passage to our daily lives?
Examine your life: Are you on the wide path or the narrow path? Are your choices leading you toward God or away from Him?
Choose the narrow gate: Make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, even when it's difficult. Prioritize your relationship with Him and seek to live according to His will.
Don't be swayed by the crowd: The majority of people are on the wide path. Don't let the world's values and priorities influence your decisions.
Persevere in the faith: The narrow path is not easy, but it is worth it. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and persevere in your faith, knowing that He will lead you to eternal life.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for showing me the way to life. Help me to choose the narrow gate and to walk faithfully with you, even when it's difficult. Give me the strength to resist temptation and to follow your will.
Amen.
Additional Thoughts
The choice between the wide gate and the narrow gate is a daily decision. We must choose to follow Jesus every day.
The narrow path may be difficult, but it is also the most rewarding path. It leads to a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment in Christ.
Don't be discouraged if you stumble along the way. God's grace is sufficient for you, and He will help you to get back on track.
I hope this devotional has been helpful. May you be inspired to choose the narrow gate and walk the path that leads to life.
Meet our contributors
Jesu
A woman of faith passionate about inspiring and motivating women in their walk with God. Explore topics on cultivating a deeper relationship with God, overcoming challenges with faith, and discovering purpose and strength in Christ. Join Jesu on a journey of faith and be empowered to live boldly and confidently as a woman of God.
Exodus
Exodus offers insights and reflections on living a life of faith in the marketplace and beyond. Explore "My Daily" for daily inspiration and "Work and Marketplace Ministry" messages for practical guidance on integrating faith and work. Join Exodus on a journey of faithful living and discover how to make a difference in your sphere of influence.
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