“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” (Matthew 7:13-14; all Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version).

Anybody who has read this far in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount will recognize that His message is hard to follow. It goes against human nature. We cannot successfully follow Jesus’ teaching by taking the path of least resistance. If we want to follow Christ, we must be persistent, diligent, passionate, and obedient. In addition, we need the Holy Spirit to fill, guide, and empower us.

Jesus presented two paths to His disciples. One path is easy, guiding travelers leisurely downhill toward a wide gate with an unobstructed entrance. Most of humanity will accept this trail.

The other path winds uphill, on a narrow trail. You have to watch where you are going to avoid wandering off the trail. If you are wise, you will travel with some hiking companions who can help you along the narrowest parts of the trail, especially if you are near a cliff. An experienced expert Trail Guide who knows the path can lead you safely. This trail is not easy. At the end, you will find a narrow gate.

However, the narrow, harder uphill trail is the way to life. The easier trail leads to destruction. The harder trail will leave you feeling weary at times. However, it is the only trail with a reward at the end.

Most people will take the easy trail. After all, why would anyone want to make things so difficult? Don’t all paths lead to God? Jesus’ answer to that last question is a resounding “No!” Only one way leads to the Father:

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

Jesus offered no option to broaden the trail. We cannot assume that there are other paths to heaven, no matter how popular that idea is. Nor can we expand or relocate the narrow way in response to public opinion polls or government policy.

A popular idea nowadays is that God only wants us to love other people. Nothing else matters. However, as mentioned in my recent article about Matthew 7:12, we are called to love God and our neighbors. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If we want to remain on the path that leads to life, we will love God by obeying His instructions; not by analyzing, redefining, abridging, or ignoring them. Loving Him by obeying His Word, the Bible, will map out the trail that enables us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

If you are walking on the path that leads to life, you will love God and follow Him faithfully and persistently. Being a disciple of Jesus is not easy, but the eternal rewards make it worthwhile.

Lord, we choose to follow You. Thank You for inviting us on the path that leads to life. It is not easy. Sometimes, our friends and families—even people who attend our churches—invite us to an easier, tempting trail. Keep us on Your path. Guide our footsteps. Enable us to keep our eyes fixed on You, Your Word, and Your Holy Spirit as they lead us along the path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What challenges or obstacles do you encounter while following Jesus? Do you ever find yourself wandering onto the easy way that leads to destruction? How can you stay on the narrow trail that leads to life? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

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