The Broad and Narrow Way

 N. T. #78  "The Broad and Narrow Way"

May 26, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 6

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (verse 14)

LET IT GLOW

The closing section of the Sermon on the Mount presents 2 choices for the listener and reader. These are a series of contrasts:

• two ways (verses 13-14)
• two trees (verses 15-20)
• two professions (verses 21-23)
• two foundations (verses 24-29). (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Concerning the 2 ways, first is the wide gate and the broad road. The gate is religion, which is man's attempt to make himself acceptable to a holy God. Many people follow on this broad road, seeking to have a relationship with God (verse 13) Yet, they do it on their own terms-works, trying to be good, But this road is a dead end which leads to destruction. The Pharisees walked on that broad road focusing on rules and laws, which no one could keep due to their sinful nature.

There are many paths on the broad road that lead to sin, lusts, and evil. A lot of people go that way in life. Sadly, it leads to destruction.

There are but two ways, right and wrong, good and evil, the way to heaven and the way to hell. There are saints and sinners, godly and ungodly; no middle of the road.

The broad way will ultimately lead to outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12, 22:13,24:51, 25:30) Their sins, wickedness, and rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior will send them to such a hell.

We are to share the gospel with those people before it is too late for them as death comes quickly.

LET IT GROW

The contrast here is a strait gate. Strait means narrow (from obstacles standing close about).

What do we learn about this gate and way?

• Jesus tells us to enter in at the strait gate, for He is that gate.
• It requires faith in Jesus as Savior and Messiah, God's Son, the only way to heaven.
• When we pass through this strait gate, we have new birth of our soul, faith, godliness, and receive grace.
• It is hard to find this strait gate and hard to get through, like a passage between two boulders. The world offers other gates, other religions. 
• We stoop down and become as a little child, humbled and in need of a Savior, God's way, not ours.'
• This gate is not closed nor locked, but wide open with loving arms bidding us to come.
• The path is narrow through this gate, but it leads to everlasting life, eternal bliss, hope for a wonderful end. 
• Few find this way.

There is only one way to eternal life with God and that only a few decide to walk that road. Believing in Jesus is the only way to heaven, because He alone died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way is not easy nor popular, but it is true and right. There are so many obstacles of temptations, worldliness, discouragements, etc. Thank God there is One way-Jesus!

But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghose. (Titus 3:4-5)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. (John 14:6)

Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior yet? 

LET IT GO

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!