It arose in our Connect Group last week, “What is the meaning of the narrow gate, that Jesus spoke about?” This saying of Jesus is only found in Mark’s and Matthew’s Gospel and Luke mentions a narrow door.
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
[Jesus] "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 is one saying amongst a whole string of them in the teaching of Jesus that day on the mountain side (sermon on the mount, Matthew chs. 5-7). It is one of His most striking pronouncements – and one of the most troubling, too. It succinctly captures a profound spiritual truth that has resonated for centuries of believers. It challenges us to reflect deeply on our journey of faith, our choices, and our commitment to living a life truly aligned with God’s will. That is, a holy life without compromise.
The imagery of gates and roads are illustrative of God’s perspective, which is reality. So, Jesus is deadly serious. The pronouncement describes two contrasting life pathways. The broad road and wide gate symbolise the easier, more tempting path in life - one that is aligned with worldly desires, comforts, and the approval of people. By contrast, the narrow road and narrow gate represent the much more challenging and disciplined path of righteousness which requires intentionality, sacrifice, and unwavering faithfulness. There is no middle road, and that’s the point. Yet many believers today tend to think “middle of the road” is an option, and that it’s OK. Well, it isn’t. And that’s because it isn’t the narrow road. But “middle of the road” Christian life is where a sizeable number of Christians are journeying.
The narrow road and gate serves as a reminder that following Christ is not about conforming to worldly norms and values, but about pursuing a deeper and often countercultural relationship with God. This road is narrow because it requires the believer to prioritise the eternal over the temporal, the divine will over personal desires, and the truth over convenience. The narrow road and gate is a pared back life journey – pared back to the critical, eternal essentials. The wide road and gate is a stark warning picture of the inescapable consequences of choosing a life that compromises one’s faith. The wide road is alluring because it is crowded, easy to navigate, and seemingly comfortable. It is the road of least resistance, marked by the pursuit of immediate gratification and the avoidance of righteous accountability.
Jesus’ saying here is a call to vigilance. It challenges believers to recognise the subtle ways in which worldly distractions inevitably lead them away from God’s purpose. The popularity of the wide road underscores its danger - just because many walk on it does not mean it is the right or safe way. This is a strong reminder that spiritual discernment often requires resistance to the allure of popularity and the courage to stand against worldly pressures.
In contrast to the wide gate, the narrow gate leads to life - eternal life and communion with God. This life is not simply about existence; it is about abundant, transformed living that reflects the fruits of the Spirit. Walking the narrow road means embracing a life defined by faith. Though challenging this road is ultimately rewarding because of its alignment with God’s divine purposes. But is no solitary journey, even if just a few choose to walk it. It is a road where believers can rely on God’s guidance and grace to navigate the challenges they face. Scripture provides numerous examples of individuals who chose the narrow path and were blessed for their faithfulness—Abraham, Moses, Paul, and countless others whose lives were marked by obedience and trust in God. Not one expressed any regret in the end.
Matthew 7:13-14 is a sobering call to reflect on one’s spiritual journey and assess the choices that define their life now, and for eternity. It prompts believers to ask critical questions: “Am I walking on the narrow path or the wide one? Are my decisions rooted in faith and obedience, or are they influenced by convenience and worldly desires?” This type of self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will – and it keeps us on the narrow road. Jesus infers that the narrow path requires effort and dedication. It is not a journey of passive religion but one of active discipleship that demands discipline, perseverance, and resilience. The narrow gate goal challenges believers to cultivate a life of holiness with mutual accountability.
Walking the narrow road is not about perfection, but faithfulness. As we walk it God equips us with strength and wisdom to overcome obstacles and persevere in our faith. Trusting in His faithfulness provides comfort and assurance, even in moments of doubt or struggle. The narrow path inevitably requires believers to make sacrifices, whether it is sacrificing time, resources, or personal ambitions for the sake of God’s kingdom. This type of sacrifice is not loss but a paring back, as I said, in order to invest for eternal outcomes.
Yes, the narrow road is challenging and is not meant to be walked alone, and so, being part of a strong community of faith is essential. Fellowship with other believers fosters growth and helps navigate the difficulties of the journey, and provides accountability. The two roads and gates clarify how we get to the right eternal destination – or not. We have two choices, each has vastly different eternal implications. The reward of the narrow road is immeasurable: communion with God and the promise of fully realised eternal life beyond the narrow gate. Jesus’ pronouncement is both warning and invitation – an encouragement to remain steadfast and faithful, even when the road is hard. It is a challenge to review our choices, pare back, recalibrate, and reset priorities. It is a call to commit to a life of uncompromising faith and righteousness, trusting in God’s guidance as we go.
We born agains are called to embrace the narrow road - not because it is easy, but because it is worth it. In doing so, we find not only the life Jesus promised but also the profound joy of walking hand-in-hand with our Creator. Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate and inspire others to join us on this transformative journey.
There is no middle road. Time to think, review, pare and pray.
Ps. Milton