Matthew 7:13-14 “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.

Our Savior today commands us to take the narrow path. Though many run along the path that is wide, His children find a different path. One that strays from the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. A path that leaves licentiousness and wickedness behind. By curbing our desires for the things of this world, we set our eyes and minds on Christ Jesus alone.

Jesus tells us that the path to destruction is wide and many will walk upon it. The enemy entices their hearts with the things of this world that keep them from the narrow path. I imagine a large city street filled with thousands of people. Each one of them thinking they are heading somewhere great, but ultimately they are all following after the same thing. Together they rush into riches and power, temptations and trials. Their hearts desire is to fill themselves to the brim with the things that will never satisfy. Day and night they seek but never find. They pursue but their efforts fall short. They rush with reckless abandon right into the wide gate of death and destruction.

On the other side of the street there are a few people walking in a different direction. The lights on the shops aren’t nearly as flashy and the path has a few thorns and thistles. They are considered strange by the people walking on the wide path, but they keep pressing on because the narrow way leads to the gate of life. They follow after doctrines and principles rather than objects and status. They stop to assist one another and share what they own. Those walking this side of the street are in the same city, but they appear as if they aren’t from it. The longer they walk the more narrow the path becomes.

Jesus calls you and me to seek the path that leads to life. In the process we should call across the street to those who are lost and encourage them to consider the narrow path too. Cry out to our brothers and sisters running full speed into the jaws of death and pray for their eyes to be opened and their hearts to be softened.

Digging Deeper:

Mark 8:34; Matt 7:24; Eph 2:3

Apply It:

Are there things in your life that are keeping you on the wide path? If so, what branches need pruned in order to bear the fruit of Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, help me today to stay focused on you. You say the path is narrow and the way is hard. Help me to not give up when it gets hard and to encourage others around me to find the right path. Amen