“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” (Mt. 7: 13-14 ESV).
- A gate funnels entrances to a specific location. “Jesus said to [us], ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (Jn. 14: 6 ESV). There is only one way to gain spiritual life – through Jesus (Jesus, the Good Shepherd).
- No, we don’t get to choose which way we think would be the best for us. We don’t get to decide which will be the best fit with our lifestyles (that allows us to keep things as closely as possible to what they are) (Jesus, the Good Shepherd).
- It is really, really important that we find the gate. The consequences of sin will be horrific (Jesus, the Good Shepherd).
- Even though God wants everyone to be saved, (I Tim. 2: 4-5), God knows that isn’t going to happen. Matthew 7: 13-14 tells us two things: hard and few (Why Is Salvation So Hard?).
- The wide gate on the crossroad to the left is where the goats are headed. We can imagine that it is bright and sunny with lots of trees and flowers. Everything about it is inviting. The narrow gate on the crossroad to the right is where the sheep are headed. We can imagine nothing about it will be particularly inviting. It is rocky and steep. You are going to want to have to go there (How Do We Choose Our Plans Wisely?).
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