The Narrow Way
Missed the Exit
We’d Like More Choices, Please
But Jesus makes it plain — there are only two sides of the fence.
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil”
(Deut. 30:15 — cf Deut. 30:19, Jer 21:8)
Two Paths
The easy has no boundary, no respect, no hope.
The narrow has straight lines, rights-of-way, and abundant hope.
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.”
(Psalm 1:3-4)
Two Gates
The wide allows all the baggage you want.
The narrow requires us to leave everything behind.
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Mark 10:25)
Two Destinations
The end (destruction)
The beginning (life)
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Revelation 22:14-15)
Cross Examination
It’s tempting to use this passage to back up a theological position regarding others — and on some level that might be appropriate. But Christ’s first purpose with this teaching was to lead us to self-examination and to an abiding. personal decision of faith.
Which Gate Will You Enter?
Which path will you walk? Which destination will you choose?
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Author
Pastor Steve Babbitt
Steve Babbitt is the lead pastor of Spring Valley Community Church.
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