…but god… Episode 140
Transcript
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 NASB2020
In this passage, Jesus describes a comparative, a wide gate leading to wide way, or a narrow gate leading to a narrow way. Once again it is important to look at the order of things. This time it is the order of gate and way. The order suggests the gate is the entrance to the way.
Also when we go through the gate first it means we are going into a place. In this case Jesus is speaking of entering into relationship with Him. It is symbolic of a believers initial experience with Christ. This experience introduces them to the life of love and forgiveness. Interesting to note, the first Christians were called “those of the way.” Because the way to God is through a narrow gate and a narrow way and the majority of people do not follow that way. It’s just too difficult. It interferes with their comfortable, easy life.
Therefore they take the Broadway, (because the neon lights are bright on broadway), because they follow the neon lights of the broad way instead of the light of Christ they follow a path that leads to destruction. Therefore it is God who provides Christ, who is both gate, and way which causes us to find the portal of life here on earth and the portal to eternal life with Christ. Once again Jesus uses a contrasting parallel to point out that we don’t need to follow the masses. The broad way they follow only leads to death and chaos. However, if we follow the light of Christ we can begin on the road of His way which is by no means easy, but it is sooo worth it!
Lord we praise your Holy and perfect name. Thank you for helping us find the narrow gate into the narrow way which leads to abundant life both now and for eternity with you. We know that this narrow way is not easy and it’s uncomfortable but it’s oh so worth it. Lord give us strength and peace to follow your way so that we can do your will always. We pray all these things In Jesus name amen…
Shalom Shalom blessings! Press in and Press on!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
