Matthew 7:13-14
“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."
If I gave you ten marbles and then asked you to give me a "few" back, how many would you give me? Two? Three? Four? I was discussing this verse with a nice, older gentleman a few years back and I asked him the same question. "I would give you back all of them!" he responded. Perhaps he thought it was a test of character, but more likely, he just didn't like where I was going with it.
By definition, "few" is more than one but not many. Most people answer the marble test with two or three. 20%-30%. Jesus makes it clear in this passage that most people will not be going to Heaven when they die. We must never lay that sad truth down like some kind of "holier than thou" trump card. Rather, we should react to it like Jesus did to the masses that were like sheep without a shepherd: He wept.
The broad way is easy to travel and can accommodate large crowds … this is the way of the world. Do what you want! Follow your heart! If it feels good, do it! People are basically good! A loving God would never send anyone to hell! All roads lead to Heaven!
The narrow way is hard because it requires you to crucify your pride. You can't do it. You can't earn your way in. You are a sinner. You are hopelessly lost.
The narrow way is hard because it sets you in opposition to the world. Your desires are different. Your motivation is different. Your goals are different. You see yourself and others honestly. You know the Truth.
The gate is small because it is only found in one man: Christ Jesus. Whether you like it or not, Jesus really is "the way, the truth and the life." He really is the ONLY way to the Father.
The world may grimace at the thought that FEW will be saved … but we should all rejoice in the fact that ANY are saved. Which gate are YOU going through? Which road are YOU traveling?
