Squeezing Into the Kingdom - The Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV) “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Did you ever want to dig deeper into this passage? Here's your chance. This presents a very sobering view for every Christian and every person that identifies as Christian. I know that Jesus says the road is difficult. But for me, while it is in some ways, there is such a relief to shed the burdens of the world to follow Christ. It's not a struggle in that sense.

But, in context, you have to understand who Jesus is talking to. The Jews' entire world view was wrapped up in their pursuit of the Law and its demands. While that was not easy either, imagine a life of devotion to that and then this guy comes along and says, "drop all of that. That is not your way to salvation." Imagine the leap of faith. Yes, they had a first-hand account of Christ, his teaching, his miracles. The higher up you got in the Jewish hierarchy, the more difficult it was for them to enter that narrow gate. Perhaps that is one of the reasons Jesus went to the outliers first: the sinners, the Samaritans, the outcasts. They had less to lose. In many ways, they were already condemned. But then, you have to consider the apostles (including Paul). If someone in the Jewish faith, steeped in the Law and Jewish tradition, can go through the narrow gate, and give up his life in the process, what is holding you back?

Notes to Squeezing into the Kingdom

 

Episode Link: https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/squeezing-into-the-kingdom-the-narrow-gate/