“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” (Matthew 7:13-14).

These words of Jesus are quite famous. At first, they can also seem quite vague. From them we understand that we should take the narrow gate and road. But what does that mean?

In its immediate context, taking the narrow gate and path in life means living out the rest of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (which is where those verses come from). Not only is Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), but he shows us how to speak and act in a way which is consistent with his way, truth and life.

Jesus is incredible. Not only does he tell us the truth, but he shows us how to live it out. In so doing, he gives us an example to imitate.

Today’s devotional is simply to focus us on the fact that the gate and path is “narrow.” Which, just to be clear, is the opposite of wide and broad. Jesus himself said so.

If our path was wide and broad, then it really wouldn’t matter what we said or did, nor would there be need for help.

If the path was wide and broad, then it would be okay to devalue Jesus. It would be okay to blend in to the customs and ideas of the culture around us. It would be okay to let disorder into our homes and churches. It would be okay to cherry-pick Scriptures. It would be okay to be selfish and apathetic toward our neighbours.

But the path is not wide and broad. It is narrow.

It is also beautiful. And loving. And glorious. 

And narrow.

As we journey, we need the help of Jesus. We also need the help of one another to persevere in both humility and confidence. 

And may the words of Jesus in Revelation 2:10 motivate us forward: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

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Notes and extra content:

–“What people on the narrow path need.” Sermon. April 21, 2024. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.