NARROW IS THE WAY (Matthew 7:13-27)

The Wide and Broad
“For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it.” I’ve often wondered if the broad road sign reads, “Heaven” or “Hell?” If it says, “Hell,” then what would be the point in Jesus’ mentioning of it? Putting a warning on a road marked “Hell” would be like printing a Surgeon General’s label on a keg of gun powder: “Caution, may blow your mind.” Since Jesus follows up this statement with an admonition; “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolfs,” the assumption is that the travelers believe they’re treading down a highway to “Heaven.”
We know that Hell’s caretaker isn’t an ugly lizard of a being with fangs, a forked tongue, and the owner of red suit, but is rather, as Paul states, “…disguised as an angel of light” (2Cor 10:11). Therefore, his servants, these same false prophets from Jesus’ warning, “also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” and preach to us that this wide and broad road their congregation is travelling upon is indeed the one true way to Heaven. Ah, but we are reminded that many religions preach that their paths also lead to heavenly dwellings. Touché, but Jesus isn’t talking about them, is He? For these travelers are those who “[say] to [Him], ‘Lord, Lord!’ [and yet] will [not] enter the kingdom of heaven.” If the path named “Christian” is wide and easy, you might reconsider your destination.

NARROW IS THE WAY (Matthew 7:13-27)
The Narrow and Difficult
“‘Lord… are there few being saved?’ He said to them, ‘Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able” (Luk 13:23,24). If “many” take the road marked “Heaven,” then the conclusion is that only the “few” will “make every effort to confirm [their] calling and election” (2Pt 1:10). If we asked a Christian today, “Are few saved?” what would be his/her response? What would be yours? That all a person needs to do is believe and they shall be saved? Jesus’ response wasn’t quite so inviting.
“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” When Jesus heard these words Himself, He built His house (we call it the Church) upon His rock—a disciple of His named, “Peter” (Mt 16:18). This disciple heard God’s word, “Go and make disciples,” and himself went and “remind[ed others] about these things, even though [they] know them and are established in the truth [they] have” (2Pt 1:12). The way marked “Disciple” is hard. You see, it entails building our foundation in Christ upon His Word every day through study, meditation, and application. The narrow road means we call “friend” those whom Jesus has called His own (John 15:13,14) and that we are willing to hate those we love the most in order to follow God who most loves us (Luke 9:23-27). To follow Jesus means we must make disciples adamant about their obedience to His commission. Few dare tread this path because an easier way is set for them that requires little more than faith, attendance, and a willingness to sing. “So you’ll recognize them by their fruit,” says our Lord. What fruit are you bearing for this Christ you call “Lord, Lord?”