Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 NABRE
Matthew is sharing Jesus’ teaching about eternal life. The image is roads leading to towns which have gates that you can enter the town. There are walls all around the town so the gates are the only way into the town. Main gates are wide and tall to accommodate all sorts of humans and animals, other gates are small and narrow, used for people on foot, intended for pedestrian traffic only. Jesus speaks about two gates; a narrow gate and a wide gate, it is likely these two gates are entry to two different locations and it is possible the travelers on these roads are moving in opposite directions. Disciples are urged to be the few who squeeze through the narrow gate, eternal life. The road to the narrow gate is constricted so there is a need to be focused and make good choices. These choices include accepting difficulties and challenges in the name of Jesus so that we are prepared to enter through the narrow gate. Opposite the narrow gate is a broad gate. Here movement is easy with lots of traffic, staying focused is not necessary. But the toll for taking this road and entering through the broad gate is destruction.
If we take the easy path in life, the road which doesn’t ask much of us, we likely end up in a difficult situation. Taking the more difficult road, requiring effort and work, leads to a life of reward. We should not try to do what is easy today, rather work hard for Jesus, so we stay on the right road and pass through the right gate.
Do you avoid difficult tasks? Are you ready to accept the outcome of your life?
If we take the easy path in life, the road which doesn't ask much of us, we likely end up in a difficult situation. Taking the more difficult road, requiring effort and work, leads to a life of reward. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #focus #narrow#Matthew #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways