There are things that Jesus says that are warm and comforting.
Those looking to market Jesus’ model of the Kingdom would absolutely love the invitation for those who are heavy-laden to come to Him to find rest. They would totally love that. They would be all over the acts of healing that would really be great for the push.
They might not, however, be so keen on what Jesus has to say about the way to life.
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14
Those buzzwords – narrow and hard. No, Jesus, that’s not going to sell well. People are living a hard life as it is and to discover that the way to life is hard – that’s just not going to cut it on any of the demographics. That stuff about wide and easy, that should be the way to life, Jesus. People will love that and if it’s a popular route to discover, well that would be all the better. Can’t afford to make things difficult for people. Our potential customers will be looking for something that will fit with their convenience.
Jesus, however, was not making a pitch for people to accept something that would sell for the masses. Jesus was outlining what it was to live in the Kingdom, what it was to access life of a lasting nature. Life of the greatest quality. He wasn’t offering cheap and easy access to thrills. As He extended that in His teaching He was clear in highlighting.
The instruction He gives to enter and follow the way is not one He gives without support. There is the incentive of the outcome that comes from taking that step. There is also the knowledge that the way that is hard through the narrow gate is one that Jesus is on hand to support with. He is right there embodying as well as encouraging on the journey. He knows what it is to go the hard way. He knows the difficulty and He knows the strength that the Spirit gives to live and endure to the end.
Our challenge remains whether we will prefer the popular easy road and the wide path that welcomes people to it. Will we be enticed by that which appeals to our ego, our flesh, our desire to go with the short-cuts and that which we find gratifying? Will we see the trends of the day that appeals to the masses and follow them in pursuit of what keeps the crowds and makes us feel better – even at the cost of what is really valuable and matters?
Or will we hear, obey and teach others to observe what King Jesus says?
(Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 