Narrow Way of Life: Matthew 7:13-14

Jn 10:9

John 10:9 (NASB95)

“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

7:13–14 / In one sense the Golden Rule represents the high point of the sermon. The four paragraphs that follow contrast the two ways (vv. 13–14), the two kinds of fruit (vv. 15–20), the two kinds of followers (vv. 21–23), and the two kinds of builders (vv. 24–27). In each case there is a sharp distinction drawn between true discipleship and mere religious activity. Jesus brings his sermon to a close with a clear call for action.

The idea of two ways is found throughout secular literature. Hesiod (the ancient Greek poet) warns that the way of wickedness is “smooth and near to hand,” whereas the path to virtue is “long and steep and rough to begin with” (Work and Days). Jeremiah represents Jewish thought when he records God’s message, “See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death” (21:8; see also Deut. 30:19; Didache 1.1).

Matthew’s use of the figure is a bit ambiguous in that it combines both gates and roads. Does one enter through a gate onto a road (v. 13), or does a road lead ultimately to a gate (v. 14)? Most writers hold that Matthew has conflated two sayings, one referring to a door or gate (cf. Luke 13:24) and the other to two ways. However that may be, the essential idea is relatively clear. One way is broad and easy. It is the way of self-centeredness, and the majority travel that road. The other way is narrow and hard to find. Only a few travel the road of personal commitment and discipline. One road leads to destruction and the other to eternal life. The saying is primarily eschatological, although it speaks as well of life here and now. It describes two ways to live: two ways that separate and lead to two distinct destinies. The choice is clear: follow the crowd with its characteristic bent toward taking the path of least resistance, or join the few who accept the limiting demands of loyalty. The easy way will turn out hard (it ends in destruction), whereas the hard way will lead to eternal joy (life).

Robert H. Mounce, Matthew, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011), 67.