Broad Way or Narrow Way ?

Last week, one of my Bible class students asked me : "What does it mean by the "Narrow" way ?" and in a hurried moment, I just explained what I could to her at that point in time. Well, now that I am relatively free, this topic is worth "blogging" and here is an exposition of the "Narrow" way.

The Bible in Matthew 7 : 13 - 14 states : "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Jesus was continuing on His sermon on the Mount, better known as the "Beatitudes" or "Beautiful Attitudes" and this teaching on the narrow and wide gates are an extension of His teaching.

Have you ever wondered why Hollywood is also called "Broadway" ? What values do we get from Broadway ? We have movies like "Sex & the City", values on "it is okay to kill, steal, sleep around, lie, cheat, etc..." being churned out from the Hollywood factory. No wonder the Bible says that "broad is the road that leads to destruction". How true it is in today's society to follow the "Broadway" ! We want to be rich fast, we want an easy life without the hard work, we want immediate gratification to our wants. All these are elements of the broad way that one chooses.

The way to Jesus is a through a narrow way or gate. Why is it a narrow way ? Because it is a road less traveled and one which is not filled with rose petals and everything nice. The way of Jesus is one of being an overcomer. It is narrow because it talks of "focus". When it is narrow, we can focus on Him alone and be not distracted by the things on either side of the road along the way.

There was a rich young man who asked Jesus : "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?"

Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."Which ones?" the man inquired.

Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?". Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

Jesus said in John 14 : 6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" and in John 10 : 9 - 10 "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Friend, enter into life, abundant life through this narrow gate for Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen!

See Jesus, Serve Jesus, Speak Jesus !