Strait and Narrow way
The Strait Way.
Jesus teaching the multitude: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Ch. 5-7) is Jesus’s longest sermon.
A short but powerful segment of Sermon on the Mount contrasts STRAIT GATE AND NARROW WAY vs. WIDE GATE AND BROAD WAY. Matthew 7:13-14.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate…” Matthew 7:13a. This is Jesus first entry instruction.
“For wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” Matthew 7:13b. This is Jesus’s warning.
“Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14.
Meaning of the strait gate and narrow way. Straight means not crooked. Strait means narrow & hard to enter. Jesus compares the way of life to enterance through a gate.
Entering the strait gate requires commitment and determination. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” Mt.6:33 and Luke 13:24.
Entering the strait gate means departing the old life style and beginning a new life-being born again. John 3:3-6.
Walking the narrow way means living a life of faith and godliness-walking with God. II Peter 1:2-3.
There are few that find the strait gate and narrow way. Matthew 7:14b. Enoch walked with God and God took him.
Meaning of wide gate and broad way.
Wide gate provides easy, effortless access. Ancient cities had walls and gates including large common gates. There were also narrow private gates.
Many enter by the wide gate. Matt. 7:13b.
The broad way taken by most people has no guidance or direction leaving it to their free will. It leads to destruction. Matt. 7:13.
Many go the broad way. Drifting without seeking God’s direction. Matt. 7:13.
Below is the message audio
Posted on Facebook July 29, 2024.