Jesus brings His Sermon on the Mount to a close with some warnings concerning the difference between true and false discipleship. There are two distinguishing characteristics given here regarding the road that “leads to life”: it’s “narrow” and only a few find it. It’s narrow in that it requires the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and the acceptance of His teachings, which have been presented in the Sermon on the Mount as the rule of life. Those who are on the “broad” road, which leads to a “wide” gate, accept any number of philosophical, moral and ethical teachings as their rule of life. In addition, they often invent their own living standards or they simply conform to the living standards of others.
Matthew 7:13-14:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.“
The broad road is easy to find and easy to navigate. Do nothing and we’re there. It also easily accommodates us and all our baggage. Bring anything and everything with us. We won’t be crowded out! And because it’s common that our friends and family may choose the broad road, the choice can be made even more difficult.
Whereas the broad road leads to “destruction”, the narrow road “leads to life”. In choosing the narrow road, it becomes imperative that we pray for and accept the will of God. It’s through His guidance and the breath of the Holy Spirit that we find our way on the narrow road.
John 20:21
“…Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
