The Narrow Door (9AM)

The narrow door, is referred to by the Lord Jesus and Luke 13:23-24 (and in Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus compares the narrow gate to the “broad road” which leads to destruction (hell) and says that “many” will be on that road. By contrast, Jesus says that “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” What exactly is meant by this?

First, we need to understand that Jesus is the Door through which all must enter eternal life. There is no other way because He alone is “the way, the truth and the life.”

Entering through the narrow gate is not easy. Jesus made this clear when He instructed His followers to “strive” to do so. But we must be clear here. No amount of effort saves us; salvation is by the grace of God through the gift of faith.

Many will seek to enter that narrow door, the door of salvation, but “will not be able.” They are unwilling to trust/rely on Jesus alone. They are unwilling to pay the price. It costs too much for them to give up the world. God’s gate is a gate through which one cannot carry the baggage of sin and self-will, nor can one carry the accoutrements of materialism. The way of Christ is the way of the cross, and the way of the cross is the way of self-denial.