Jesus summarized His sermon on the Mount with a vivid two-path scenario…
"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." (Matthew 7:13-14)
The wide gate represents the path of least resistance. It is the popular path that most people choose. It promises comfort, self-indulgence, and instant gratification and offers a feeling of security that comes from going along with the crowd. Unfortunately, most of those who wander aimlessly down it are tragically unaware of its ultimate destination—destruction and eternal separation from God.
The narrow gate symbolizes the path of lasting righteousness. It is the road less traveled. It demands discipline, self-denial, and perseverance. This path often runs contrary to our desires, cultural perspectives, and social pressures and often leaves those climbing it feeling uneasy and alone. Yet, it is the path that leads to life—an abundant life in Christ here on earth and eternal life with Him in heaven.
But how can we know if we are on the narrow path? Jesus gave us the key—putting into practice everything He taught. He said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” and “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:21 & 24)
It’s not enough to simply listen to Jesus’ teaching. We must actually follow it, regardless of how countercultural and counterintuitive it might seem. If we understand Jesus’ two-path scenario for life, then we’ll see that obedience is not a burdensome duty but rather a pathway to freedom, joy, and a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
So what path are you on today? Are you unconsciously following the crowd or intentionally seeking to obey everything Jesus taught?
"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." (Matthew 7:13-14)
The wide gate represents the path of least resistance. It is the popular path that most people choose. It promises comfort, self-indulgence, and instant gratification and offers a feeling of security that comes from going along with the crowd. Unfortunately, most of those who wander aimlessly down it are tragically unaware of its ultimate destination—destruction and eternal separation from God.
The narrow gate symbolizes the path of lasting righteousness. It is the road less traveled. It demands discipline, self-denial, and perseverance. This path often runs contrary to our desires, cultural perspectives, and social pressures and often leaves those climbing it feeling uneasy and alone. Yet, it is the path that leads to life—an abundant life in Christ here on earth and eternal life with Him in heaven.
But how can we know if we are on the narrow path? Jesus gave us the key—putting into practice everything He taught. He said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” and “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:21 & 24)
It’s not enough to simply listen to Jesus’ teaching. We must actually follow it, regardless of how countercultural and counterintuitive it might seem. If we understand Jesus’ two-path scenario for life, then we’ll see that obedience is not a burdensome duty but rather a pathway to freedom, joy, and a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
So what path are you on today? Are you unconsciously following the crowd or intentionally seeking to obey everything Jesus taught?