Matthew 7:13-14 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.
In the Sermon on the Mount, The Lord Jesus is teaching His disciples kingdom truths – truths that speak of our character, as in the beatitudes. Truths about forgiveness, judging others, loving your enemies, praying for those who despitefully use you and persecute you. Things that He knows are contrary to our fallen nature. We all know that by nature we are proud, not poor in spirit. We by nature do not want to forgive those who have hurt us or made life miserable for us. By nature, we are judgmental and seek vengeance. Am I talking to anybody this morning besides myself?
Read the Sermon on the Mount and filter the teaching on various subjects through these two verses. The word broad can be understood to mean easy. The word narrow can be understood to mean difficult. Jesus tells us that it is very easy for us to not forgive, to be judgmental, vengeful and filled with spiritual pride. That is the broad path. That is even the path that religious people like the Pharisees walk on. It leads to destruction. On the other hand, for those who choose to follow Jesus, the path is difficult, narrow. It rubs our flesh the wrong way. But the difficult or narrow path is the one that leads to life. The yoke of Jesus is easy, but it becomes very hard whenever we kick against the goads by choosing “broad path living”. It may feel good to get even, judge others and put them down. Broad path living lives by the old adage, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But that path only leads to death and despair. Narrow path living means picking up the cross daily in order that those broad path tendencies would be crucified. Only those on the narrow or difficult path reflect the life of Jesus Christ. The broad or easy path is the path of reaction to circumstances, feelings, and people. The narrow or difficult path is a path that yields to The Spirit of God and brings glory to Jesus. Which path are you on? Selah
