ON BROADWAY
Matthew 7:13-14 NKJ
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Many have seen these verses as Jesus talking about salvation. And I don’t think that is a stretch at all. The way to the life of God is narrow. Although many modern philosophers and teachers would have us believe that there are many paths to God, they are incorrect. The people who adhere to that doctrine are in eternal danger. Jesus, Himself, stated that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and no one came to the Father but through Him (John 14:6 NKJV). So, from that standpoint, our verses today are completely congruent with salvation. People who believe their good works will get them to heaven are on the broad way that leads to destruction. Those who are depending on the prayers of someone else to get them into heaven after they die are on the broad way. A real danger is people who believe that going to church or being a member of the church is all they need to receive eternal life are, unfortunately, on the broad way. When Jesus stated He was the way to God, He was not hyping up His personal religion. He was speaking in accordance with God’s Word and stating the clear, unvarnished truth. Unless a person is born again, they will not enter God’s kingdom. To receive the salvation Jesus provided, a person must believe Jesus is the Son of God and confess Him as their Lord and Savior. That is a narrow gate. There is no other way.
Jesus said that there were many ways that lead to destruction. There are many philosophies and teachings that are from men, but they do not lead to the life of God that He wants for us here on earth. God desires that we have life and have it abundantly. But the way is broad for people who are looking for life on their own terms. Some look for life in money. Others in achievements. Some look for life in acceptance, social standing, and popularity. Others in material possessions. For some, life is in the party, the sex, or the adventure. The unfortunate thing is that all of those pursuits are on the broad way where there is no life. This is why people are often never satisfied.
Jesus said narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life. The word difficult is the same word as confined. If we stop and think about it, God’s Word is very confining. His word is by no means a broad way. It’s a narrow path. Acting on God’s Word is a narrow path and not an easy one. It’s not easy to forgive, to give, to love others, to serve others, to live unselfishly. It’s not easy to crucify our flesh, walk in the spirit instead of by how we feel. Not easy to fight the good fight of faith. It’s not easy to live pure in a dark world with perversion being so prevalent. Not easy to rejoice and give God thanks when we feel like retreating into a dark place. It’s not easy to catch flak because of holding true to what we believe. These are all narrow, difficult ways.
But to walk in the life and peace of God is worth it. To know our eternity is secure is worth the price. To fellowship with God and sense His pleasure is priceless. To help other people is so fulfilling. No, it’s not the easy path, but it’s the best path. Broad way may sound alluring, but it turns out to be a dead end.
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that my eyes have been opened to Your narrow way that leads to life. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your Holy Spirit strengthens me and guides me in Your way. I choose to walk the narrow way.