Choose your path

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.

The Broad Path

In this passage we essentially see Jesus giving a call to those around him to choose the path of life. Now we know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. But that path of Jesus is not a path that many actually follow. In fact, my fear is that more people are on the broad path than we even realize.

How many of you in here would go on a hike and if there was a nice open easy trail would pick that trail over the small tight fitting, over grown, rocky, winding and hilly path?

Many of the people who get off the path of following Jesus leave the path because its hard. It appears much easier to just take the broad path. To just cruise right through life with no hardship. The reality of it is, it starts out really easy but as you walk along, because it doesn’t require much of you, you zone out on autopilot and next thing you know you walk right off the edge of a cliff to your own demise. The broad easy path lures you to sleep, and just when you think you are safe, you have come to destruction.

This is why we see in 1 Peter 5:8 “8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Peter emphasizes the need for alertness. Because the moment you let your guard down is the moment you meet destruction.

The Narrow Path

In contrast to the broad path, the narrow way Jesus speaks of, like we mentioned a little earlier is the overgrown, hilly, rocky, tight fitting path. It can be very difficult to follow this path. However, when you walk along this path you are much more alert because you have to be. It forces you to walk in a way that you pay close attention to what you are doing. You don’t want to fall, lose the path, get stuck some how. The narrow path actually is safer. The narrow path actually leads to something that is worth reaching… LIFE.

This path takes intentionality. Jesus implies few find it. It takes a desire to find the path and a commitment to walking it. Every step you take must be calculated and thoughtful. You can’t take this path lightly. You can’t just mosey along.

This path takes endurance. Much like what we see in Hebrews 12:1 “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” With it being so tough, you will need some grit to really finish out the journey. It will be very tempting to give up at times.

This path requires us to leave things behind. Like we just read in Hebrews 12:1 we have to lay aside some things. You can’t carry all your stuff with you on this journey. You will wear out, and won’t be able to fit through the narrow space if you bring your junk along. I actually believe that God made the path narrow not to keep people out, but to keep our junk out. God uses this path to sanctify us along our journey.

Discussion Questions

In the context of our faith, what makes the path narrow?

holiness (what is permitted)

What are some examples of what makes the path hard?

What does it mean to be intentional about your faith?

How can we find the encouragement to continue on with endurance?

Do you think there are some things you could drop to lighten your load?

would anybody like to share?

or what are some things you see people carrying that they need to let go of?