Which road are you walking on?

Introduction

Today, I will be teaching on Jesus' teaching on the narrow and wide gates. In this final section of the sermon, Jesus is beginning to challenge His disciples about what life will look like, if they choose to follow Him. Although the meaning seems to be simple, there is a specific meaning Jesus wants to convey. What is it? Is gaining entrance into heaven as simple as entering the narrow gate and following the narrow road? Or does the narrow gate and road mean something more? Finally, which road are you walking on?

Matthew 7:13–14 LEB

13 “Enter through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it, 14 because narrow is the gate and constricted is the road that leads to life, and there are few who find it!

What does Jesus say?

Verse 13-14

“Enter” is an imperative statement (command). Jesus started with a command to enter through the narrow gate before giving the reason why. Enter reflects back on Matt 5:20, which we found the totality of the teaching is captured by Matthew 7:12. Also, we cannot forget this echoes back to Moses second giving of the law in Deuteronomy. What Jesus is saying here specifically mirrors Deut 30:11-20.

Jesus establish contrast between Broad and narrow (gate); spacious and constricted (road); destruction and life (destination); many and few (people who choose to go that route)

Broad and spacious is naturally the choice people would make to get to their destinations

Narrow and constricted is not the natural choice to get to a destination

The word “constricted” conveys pressure but it is the transliteration of the Greek word for oppress or afflict. Oppression or affliction is closely aligned with persecution which Jesus said would be an aspect of life when one chooses to follow Him and they will be blessed (Matt 5:10-11). Example 1 Peter 1:3-9.

What is for us?

Majority of people enter through the broad gate and spacious road (it easier access)

The narrow gate seems less appealing but it is beneficial; therefore, enter through it!

Entrance through the narrow gate and walking the narrow road requires one to Love God and follow His commands

For those who consider themselves followers of Jesus, we cannot enter and walk along the path any way we want. Therefore, I ask. . . Which road are you walking on?