OTKC 21: Enter the Narrow Gate

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 (ESVUK)

What Did Jesus Mean?

When Jesus speaks of the narrow gate, He is drawing a stark contrast between two ways of living. The narrow gate represents the path of discipleship—a life wholly surrendered to God’s will, characterised by self-denial, obedience, and wholehearted devotion to Christ. This imagery would have resonated deeply with His first-century audience, who understood that city gates determined access and that narrow passages required intentional effort to navigate.

The broad road represents the way of the world—a path of self-indulgence, moral compromise, and spiritual complacency. Jesus warns that this seemingly easier route leads to destruction, not merely physical death but eternal separation from God. The Greek word for “destruction” (apoleia) suggests complete ruin and loss.

This teaching echoes the ancient wisdom found in Deuteronomy 30:19, where Moses declared: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Jesus is presenting the same fundamental choice, but with eternal implications made clear through His redemptive work.

The few who find it speak to the reality that genuine discipleship requires intentional seeking. The word “find” (heurisko) implies discovery through diligent search, suggesting that entering the narrow gate is not accidental but requires purposeful pursuit of God’s kingdom.

Jesus, the Early Church and The Narrow Gate

Jesus Himself perfectly exemplified entering the narrow gate. His entire earthly ministry demonstrated the cost of choosing God’s will over personal comfort. In Gethsemane, facing the cross, Jesus prayed: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This moment epitomises the narrow gate—choosing obedience to the Father despite overwhelming personal cost.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently chose the difficult path. He rejected Satan’s offer of worldly kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-10), withdrew from crowds seeking to make Him king (John 6:15), and steadfastly set His face towards Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him there (Luke 9:51).

The early church followed Christ’s example with remarkable consistency. The apostles, after being flogged for preaching, “left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). They had learned that the narrow gate often leads through suffering before reaching glory.

Stephen, the first martyr, chose the narrow path even unto death, praying for his persecutors as stones struck him (Acts 7:60). His example demonstrates that the narrow gate sometimes requires the ultimate sacrifice.

Paul described his apostolic ministry as a series of narrow gate experiences: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). His life illustrated that the narrow path, whilst difficult, leads to spiritual fruitfulness and eternal reward.

The early Christian communities embraced costly discipleship, sharing their possessions (Acts 2:44-47), caring for the marginalised, and maintaining their faith despite persecution. They understood that following Christ meant choosing a fundamentally different way of life.

Importance of the Command in the Believer’s Life

This command holds paramount importance for every believer because it defines the very essence of Christian living. It serves as a diagnostic tool, helping us examine whether our faith is genuine or merely superficial. The narrow gate represents the cost of discipleship that Jesus repeatedly emphasised throughout His ministry.

The narrow path protects believers from the deception of easy Christianity. In a culture that often promotes a gospel without sacrifice, Jesus’ words remind us that “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). This daily choice to enter the narrow gate shapes our character and deepens our relationship with God.

Furthermore, this command purifies our motives. The narrow gate strips away pretence and forces us to confront our true spiritual condition. As Proverbs 14:12 warns: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” The narrow gate ensures we’re following God’s way, not our own understanding.

The command also builds spiritual resilience. Those who consistently choose the narrow path develop the spiritual muscle needed to withstand temptation and persecution. As James 1:12 promises: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Practical Steps to Follow the Command

• Begin each day with surrender: Like Jesus in Gethsemane, start your morning by consciously choosing God’s will over your own preferences. Pray the words of Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
• Regularly examine your heart: The narrow gate requires honest self-assessment. Ask yourself: “Am I choosing comfort over obedience? Am I compromising biblical truth for social acceptance?” As Lamentations 3:40 encourages: “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
• Embrace spiritual disciplines: The narrow path is maintained through consistent prayer, Bible study, fasting, and fellowship with other believers. These practices strengthen your ability to choose God’s way when faced with temptation. As 1 Timothy 4:7 instructs: “Train yourself to be godly.”
• Seek accountability: The narrow path is easier to walk with fellow believers. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Find mature Christians who will encourage you to choose the narrow gate.
• Remember the destination: When the narrow path becomes difficult, remember that it leads to life – abundant life now and eternal life with God. As Paul wrote: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

The narrow gate is not merely a one-time decision but a daily choice to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It requires courage, perseverance, and complete dependence on God’s grace. Yet for those who enter, it leads to the abundant life that Jesus promised—a life of purpose, joy, and eternal significance in God’s kingdom.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom

Questions for Reflection

• Is the Narrow Gate an option that is promoted and understood in your sphere of influence?
• With the great temptation and ease to look to the alternative, how does the Holy Spirit help you to pursue the Narrow Gate?
• What can you do this week to challenge yourself and others to observe this command?