The topic of the narrow gate is an important one in the Bible, as Jesus himself declares in Matthew 7:13-14: “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.” Here, Jesus makes it clear that the path to eternal life is narrow and difficult, while the path to destruction is wide and easy. But what exactly does He mean by this? Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
The context of the narrow gate
In order to fully understand Jesus’ teaching on the narrow gate, we must first look at the broader context of His words in Matthew 7. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is contrasting two ways of life – the way of the kingdom of God versus the way of the world. His teaching on the narrow gate comes right after instructing His followers to beware of false prophets (Matthew 7:15) and that we will recognize them by their fruit (vv. 16-20).
Jesus then immediately transitions into the topic of the narrow gate, warning that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter His kingdom, but only those who do His will (vv. 21-23). His teaching is that there are two gates – a narrow gate that leads to life, and a wide gate that leads to destruction (vv. 13-14). His emphasis is that we must actively strive to enter through the narrow gate, which represents the difficult path of obedience to Christ.
Why the gate is considered “narrow”
When Jesus describes the gate that leads to life as “narrow,” He is implying several things:
- It’s not the easy, comfortable, popular way – If the gate is narrow, it requires effort and sacrifice to pass through it. It’s not a path most people take. Jesus explicitly says the road is “hard” (Matthew 7:14).
- It requires discernment – A narrow entryway requires more precision and care to enter. Similarly, following Christ demands discernment to recognize truth and obedience.
- Only one person can enter at a time – The imagery of a narrow gate pictures a one-person-at-a-time entrance. We must enter God’s kingdom on our own as individuals, through personal faith in Christ.
- It demands exclusivity – A narrow gate would only allow one to enter through the one passageway. In the same way, Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Overall, the narrowness of the gate emphasizes that the way of Christ is exclusive, personally demanding, and unpopular. It’s not a path for the half-hearted or the crowd-followers. There are no shortcuts, loopholes or gaps – it requires sincere repentance and faith on an individual basis.
What actually is the “narrow gate”?
If the narrow gate represents the hard but life-giving way of Jesus, what exactly is this gate? Based on Jesus’ teachings, we can identify the narrow gate as:
- Repentance – Turning from sin to follow Jesus in obedience (Luke 13:24).
- Faith in Christ – Trusting fully in Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection for salvation (John 10:9).
- Self-denial – Dying to self and one’s own desires to pursue God’s will (Matthew 16:24).
- Counting the cost – Willingness to forsake everything to follow Christ without looking back (Luke 14:25-33).
While salvation is a free gift offered by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), entering the kingdom requires sincere repentance before God, trusting completely in Christ, surrendering our will to God’s will, and willing commitment to follow Jesus even in the face of persecution and hardship (Matthew 10:38-39). The gate is narrow precisely because it demands utter submission to Christ as Lord.
Why few find and enter the narrow gate
If the way to life is through the narrow gate, why does Jesus say “few find it” (Matthew 7:14)? Why don’t more people pass through this gate and walk the hard path of obedience to Christ? We can identify several reasons:
- Many seek the easy path – Most people prefer comfort, pleasure, autonomy, and avoiding hardship. The self-denial of the narrow gate is unappealing to them (John 12:25).
- The gate seems too “narrow” – Some refuse to accept the exclusive claims of Christ or believe there are many paths to God. They see the gate as too narrow-minded (John 14:6).
- Worldly distractions – Abundance, worries of life, pleasures, and sinful habits distract many from seeking the gate (Luke 8:14).
- Persecution and Cost – Some are unwilling to pay the cost of public shame or persecution for following Christ (Luke 6:22-23). The sacrifice seems too high.
- Self-Reliance – Pride and self-sufficiency keep some from fully trusting in Christ alone for salvation (Luke 18:9-14).
- Deception – False teachings and clever lies obscure the true gospel and the narrow gate (Matthew 7:15, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
In summary, because the narrow gate demands utter allegiance to Christ, humble repentance, and sacrifice, relatively few are willing to find and enter this gate. The temptation to pursue worldly priorities or false teachings is great. But as Jesus urges, we must actively “strive to enter through the narrow door” no matter the cost (Luke 13:24). Eternal life depends on it.
Entering the narrow gate
If you have not yet entered through the narrow gate that leads to salvation, you can today! Here is what the Bible tells us about how to enter:
- Repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)
- Humbly ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)
- Turn from sinful ways and make Christ the Lord of your life (Acts 3:19, Luke 6:46-49)
- Trust only in Jesus’ sacrifice to save you (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Follow Jesus no matter where He leads or the cost (John 12:25-26)
While entering the narrow gate is difficult, Jesus assures us the path leads to abundant life! We must deny self and surrender our will fully, but by God’s grace we can walk the hard road of obedience that leads to eternal joy (John 15:11, James 1:2-4). The narrow gate requires everything but it is infinitely worth it!
Walking the narrow path
Once we enter through the narrow gate, we must then walk the hard path beyond it. Scripture gives us several principles for staying on the narrow road that leads to life:
- Depend fully on God’s strength and grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
- Pursue intimate relationship with Jesus (John 15:4-5)
- Obey and follow Jesus’ commands daily (John 14:15)
- Stay alert and resist temptation (Matthew 26:41)
- Reject worldliness and sin (Romans 12:1-2)
- Endure hardship and persecution (2 Timothy 3:12-13)
- Trust God and persevere through trials (James 1:2-4)
Although the path is difficult, we do not walk alone – Christ walks with us! By relying fully on His power and grace, we can joyfully follow Him wherever He leads on the narrow road to eternal life.
Summary
In summary, the narrow gate represents the hard but life-giving way of faith, repentance, self-denial, and commitment to Christ alone for salvation. Relatively few find and enter this gate because of its unpopularity, exclusivity, and high cost. But abundant life awaits those who surrender fully to Jesus! We must strive to enter the narrow gate and stay on the narrow path by God’s strength and wisdom.
The way is hard but infinitely worthwhile – it leads to the glorious kingdom of God. As Jesus urges us, “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). Will you accept His invitation today?