The Narrow and Wide Gates

The Narrow and Wide Gates

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

This has been the sound in my ears from the Father in this one area of my life. He’s been telling me to stop running and start doing the work. I have been facing what seems to be the toughest trail of my life since I enter my 40’s. 

There’s always an excuse.

There will be no excuses in Heaven none whatsoever. If you love the Lord you will commit to Him. You only have one chance. It’s either Paradise or torment. God is good and a good judge must punish the criminal. Whoever wants to keep their life will lose it. Stop being part of the world, deny yourself, and take up the cross daily.

What does the Bible say?

1. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

2. Luke 13:23-25 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them. Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’

The Cost of Following the Narrow Road

The concept of the “narrow road” comes from Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 7:13-14, where He contrasts the narrow gate that leads to life with the broad road that leads to destruction. Choosing the narrow road is not just a decision—it is a lifelong commitment that comes with challenges, sacrifices, and a reorientation of priorities. Let us explore what it means to follow this path, why it is difficult, and why it is ultimately worth the cost.

Understanding the Narrow Road

The narrow road represents a life of obedience to Christ, rooted in faith and righteousness. It is not simply about moral behavior but about entering through the “narrow gate,” which is Jesus Himself. As Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This exclusivity makes the road narrow because it requires complete dependence on Christ rather than self-effort or alternative spiritual paths.

The Challenges of Walking the Narrow Road

1. Counter-Cultural Living
3. Walking the narrow road often puts believers at odds with societal norms and values. In a world that celebrates self-indulgence, materialism, and instant gratification, choosing a path of humility, sacrifice, and delayed gratification can feel isolating. As Psalm 1 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked”—a call to reject worldly influences that lead to destruction.

2. The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus never sugarcoated the cost of following Him. He warned His disciples that they would face persecution, rejection, and hardship (Matthew 8:19-22). The rich young ruler’s sorrowful departure after being told to give up his wealth (Matthew 19:16-22) illustrates how difficult it can be to surrender earthly attachments for eternal rewards.

3. Spiritual Struggle
Entering through the narrow gate requires striving—an intense spiritual effort described by the Greek word agonizomai (Luke 13:24). This struggle involves battling human pride, resisting sin, and overcoming opposition from Satan and worldly distractions. While salvation is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), living out that salvation demands perseverance and daily surrender.

4. Loneliness on the Journey
Few choose this path, as Jesus noted, which can make it feel lonely at times (Matthew 7:14). Yet believers are never truly alone; they walk in the footsteps of Christ Himself, who endured suffering and rejection for our sake.

Why It’s Worth It

1. Eternal Life
3. The ultimate reward for walking the narrow road is eternal life with God. While the broad road offers temporary pleasures that lead to regret and destruction, the narrow road leads to everlasting joy and fulfillment in God’s presence (Revelation 21:3-4)

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2. Transformation and Purpose

The narrow road shapes our character as we align our lives with God’s will. It leads us away from evil and toward holiness (Proverbs 16:17). Those who walk this path find purpose and hope as they fulfill their God-given calling.

3. A Life That Matters for Eternity

Walking with Christ on this road gives eternal significance to our actions. As Psalm 1 describes, those on this path are like trees planted by streams of water—fruitful, enduring, and prosperous in ways that matter for eternity.
Encouragement for Travelers
To those who feel weary on this journey, remember that Jesus Himself walked this road before us.

As Leona Gates’ poem beautifully expresses:

“The road is rough,” I said.
“Dear Lord, there are stones that hurt me so.”
And He said, “Dear child, I understand; I walked it long ago.”
Christ not only understands our struggles but also empowers us to endure them through His Spirit. Moreover, we are part of a great multitude who have chosen this path—a community of believers spanning all nations and generations (Revelation 7:9-10).

Conclusion

The narrow road is not an easy path; it demands sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. Yet its rewards far outweigh its costs. It leads to life—eternal life—and transforms us into people who reflect God’s glory. As we walk this road with Christ as our guide and strength, we can trust that every step matters for eternity and brings us closer to Him.
Choose wisely today: while the broad road may seem appealing now, only the narrow road leads to true life.