“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (KJV, Matt. 7:13-14).
“Enter ye in”
Two gates and two paths are presented to the hearers of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus starts this passage by instructing his listeners to “Enter in.” The order of what follows is essential. The entrance Jesus spoke of is the entrance into the kingdom of God which is essentially salvation.
“at the strait gate”
The gate comes first. The KJV states that the gate is strait. The outdated word was used to describe a narrow way and hence one that is not broad. It even speaks of something that is limited in space or restricted.
For instance, the KJV states, “The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell” (Is. 49:20).
Here the Bible speaks of land that was not big enough for the people. However, Jesus speaks of a gate that any could come through but is also narrow.
The problem is not the size of the gate as much as the people not wanting to use it. The size of the gate is indicative of its use. The entrance consists of faith, and many have different ideas about entering the kingdom of God. But the gate is the first step and the only way in.
“for wide is the gate”
Then Jesus speaks of a different gate. He tells of the wide gate. The entrance in the parable is wide because many travel down its path. It is the gate that consists of false beliefs, religions, cults, ideologies, and the like.
It is the entrance that consists of everything else that seeks to claim the wise approach to life and knowing God.
Nevertheless, the Bible clarifies, “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12).
Solomon talked about the ones “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness… Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths” (Prov. 2:13,15).
“and broad is the way”
Next, Jesus speaks of the path found after entering the wide gate. He says it is broad. The words of Jesus are revealing. He spoke of the narrow gate, the wide gate, and now the broad path. The size of the gates and paths in Jesus’ parable speaks of the traffic among them.
When a road gets little traffic, its lanes are often few, and its ways are narrow. However, when many cars travel down the same route, lanes are added to the road to make it wider. If someone believes he is on the right path but notices he is doing what the majority is doing, he is likely off track.
The Bible is clear that the Christian should have a sense of discomfort in the world. He is a pilgrim and stranger. He is an alien, and the world is not his home. He is called to be a light in the world, but this will only occur if he is noticeably different.
“that leadeth to destruction”
The wide gate and broad path lead to destruction. It is not a minor matter to be on the broad way. It may be easy to travel. Its borders are enlarged, the path is well-worn, and many companions can be found along this path. However, it is a path that leads to destruction.
The destruction Jesus spoke of is not obliteration or lack of existence. Instead, it is synonymous with eternal death. Hell is real, and the lack of its acknowledgment does not make it any less real. However, Jesus does not delight in people experiencing eternal death. He has told the masses of the two gates and which one to enter.
“and many there be which go in thereat”
Jesus’ teaching is striking. It cuts to the heart and causes one to examine himself. Many are traveling down the wrong path. Jesus gave more instructions a few verses later in an attempt to assist the people.
He said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits… every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matt. 7:16-17). The Christian must ask himself, “Am I on the right path?” One way he can know is based on the fruit he is bearing.
Jesus’s message concerning the two gates and ways was not only for people outside the church. He is speaking to those within the church.
Shortly after His gates and ways parable, He states, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord… And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:22-23).
The price is too high to examine oneself to ensure he is in the faith.
“Because strait is the gate”
Once again, Jesus speaks of the strait gate. The majority does not recognize the way of faith in Christ. But the Bible makes it clear that faith is the only way. God has given His law, and man has broken it.
The Bible clarifies that none are good and all have sinned against God. It is also certain, based upon Scripture, that the wages of sin is death. Therefore there must be another way for man to be made right before God.
God has provided a way apart from the law by faith in Christ. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The righteousness of God is revealed to man through the Gospel. When someone repents and believes that Christ has died for his sin and risen from the dead, he will be saved.
His understanding of the Gospel will grow, and his faith will deepen as it does. But Christ must be seen as Savior and Lord.
The only way to enter is through the strait gate. Elsewhere Jesus has said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).
“and narrow is the way”
As is the gate, so is the way. It is narrow, and it is not the common path. It is not the path of least resistance. It may even be a lonely path on which the Christian merely travels alongside his Savior. But it is the path that Christ has instructed the Christian to walk.
It is God’s mercy that reveals this path to man, for it has been said, “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79).
“which leadeth unto life”
The strait gate and narrow way is the path that leads to life. Jesus is concerned with people inheriting eternal life. His incarnation, righteous life, and death for sinners are evident enough.
The case is closed, and the verdict is in. Jesus cares about the lost and desires everyone to have a saving knowledge of Him.
“and few there be that find it”
However, only a few will find the gate and the way. But finding it is simple enough, for Jesus is the Door and has said elsewhere, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for revealing the strait gate to me. Help me to walk along the narrow path, and may Jesus come alongside me as I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.