Matthew 7:13-14 NASB
The gospels record several "hard" statements that Jesus makes concerning the cost of following Him. This is one of them.
In this passage Jesus contrasts the way to spiritual destruction and the way leading to spiritual life. I fear that many professed Christians today do not grasp what Jesus is actually saying in these few verses.
Growing up I considered that those who "accepted" Jesus had passed through the narrow gate, and were on the narrow path. Everyone else was traveling the broad road to destruction. This interpretation is probably pretty common, but it really misses the point that Jesus is trying to make.
When one looks into the original Greek that our New Testament was translated from we can get a good idea of what this passage really means.
The wide gate and broad road are exactly that. The gate is wide, easily accommodating everyone who wants to enter. The way is broad and spacious, allowing for easy travel. There is room for everybody, and Jesus states that many are traveling this way.
The narrow way however, is more narrow than we might think. It is a tight squeeze to enter, and the way is compressed and difficult to travel.
The Amplified version puts it like this.
Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.
But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.
And in a similar passage we read of great conflict just to enter.
"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:24
The word "strive" speaks of strenuous effort to achieve victory in the athletic games. It is where we get our word "agonize."
Jesus warns us that we must earnestly strive to enter, and that many who attempt will not be able. If we look at the immediate context of this verse we see that it is in response to a question that the disciples ask concerning how many people will actually be saved. According to the following verses we can gather that mere "familiarity" with Jesus is insufficient. It's not the many who succeed, but the few. This should cause us to pause and think.
Jesus is telling us that a mere profession, outward appearance, religious rituals and traditions are insufficient in and of themselves. True salvation demands an inner change of heart. It involves repentance (Luke 13:3) and total surrender of our lives (Luke 24:27-33). The way to life is a way of holiness of life and conduct (Titus 2:11-14). Obedience is essential. I am not talking legalism here. Many individuals confuse a works based salvation with an obedience that flows from a cleansed heart. Jesus, again speaking of the many, states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom. Only those who obediently do the Father's will may enter (Matthew 7:21-23).
The way is constricted. It is often difficult, filled with trials and temptations. Persecution naturally arises when our faith is real and evident to a lost world. Jesus assures us of that (John 15:20). He tells us that even family will betray us, and hatred on account of His name can be expected. The one who endures all of this to the end is the one who will be saved (Matthew 10:21-22). When persecution comes do we confess Jesus before men, or deny Him (Matthew 10:32-33)?
Are we beginning to see the picture? Yes, salvation is a free gift, graciously offered to all, but at the same time it requires our response, and will cost us everything to make it to the end. If our road is too easy, what road are we on?