Implied in this passage is the inevitable movement of human beings. As is contemplated here by Jesus, people are never at a stand-still. Moral progress is continuous and is in this passage viewed as a journey in a straight way. “Straight” here means “narrow or restricted.”
THE WAY IS ENTERED BY A NARROW GATE:
First, the gate and then the way. Notice that the gate is mentioned before the way. This expresses the difficulty of the first step in becoming a Christian, involving a triumph over our natural inclinations. Luke 13:24: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (NKJV).
WHY IS THIS WAY ENTERED BY A NARROW GATE:
The way of life is a restricted and difficult road, but no one will be deceived by entering it through a wide gate. The entrance requirements are clear, easily understandable and not so lenient as to deceive anyone. The narrow gate, therefore, points to or suggests the character of the way into which it leads.
SOME THINGS REQUIRED OF THOSE WHO TRAVEL THIS WAY:
They must forego popularity and the majority, and be willing to walk with the few. John 12:42-43: “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
They must renounce every sin (1 Thess. 5:22); every wrong attitude (Matt. 16:24). However, it is not enough to make these renunciations. They must identify themselves with others and become burden-bearers (Rom. 14:7; 15:1; Gal. 6:2, 5).
They must set their faces toward their goal (Col. 3;1-2; Prov. 23:7). One is willing to travel most any kind of road, if it leads to where he really wants to go… home. This way leads to life everlasting.
WHY IS THE WAY OF LIFE STRAIGHT?
It is not because it was arbitrarily decreed that it should be, but since it is, Jesus in mercy has revealed that fact to us. The way leads to God, and for that reason it could not be other than different, and therefore difficult, when viewed through the eyes of an opposing and sinful world (Isa. 55:8-9).
This should not be surprising, because the way to success even in this world is a restricted one. If anyone succeeds in business, he must stick to that particular interest; if he succeeds at hunting, he must aim at one subject.
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ALTHOUGH RESTRICTED, THE WAY IS BROAD ENOUGH FOR OUR NEEDS:
It is broad enough for any sinner who will repent and obey God (Acts 2:36-38). It is broad enough for us to walk beside Christ. Those in the broad way cannot do that; neither can they take with them God, faith, and spiritual blessings.
It is broad enough for us to realize our highest possibilities. Because the way is straightened does not imply that those who walk therein are themselves to be narrow in every respect. They are to be broad in:
a. Their sympathy for mankind – the sinful, neglectful, young, etc.
b. Their purposes (Mark 16:15).
c. Their hopes. The hopes of those in the broad way do not extend beyond the grave; ours reach into eternity (Heb. 6:19-20; 1 John 3:1-3).
Everyone must travel in the straightened way or in the broad way.
the late Wayne Holland
a sermon preached in:
Hayesville, NC – 10/18/1981
Roxboro, NC – 1/17/1988
Henderson, NC – 5/18/1997
