The Narrow Gate
Pastor Bill Nichols - May 23, 2010Today's Scripture reference is Matthew 7:13-14
Introduction
I do not like crowds. I try and avoid them if at all possible. I stay away from the mall. I like to arrive early and leave early from sporting events in order to avoid being stuck in the crowd. I remember waiting in line to see Garth Brooks when he came to Springfield several years ago, and the pandemonium that broke loose when they opened the doors. I hated it. When we travel I try and time our drives through big cities so we do not get stuck in rush hour traffic. I even take the back roads to work each day so I don't have to deal with the traffic and the traffic lights. If I can find a way to get where I am going that avoids the crowd then that's the ticket for me.
In Matthew 7: 13-14, Jesus speaks about two choices that people have concerning life. He speaks about two gates, two roads and two destinations. One way is a crowded way and the other way has fewer travelers on it. Read with me:
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (NIV)
The Two Gates
As Jesus begins to conclude His Sermon on the Mount, He brings his listeners to a moment of decision. They are instructed that there are in life, only two choices, or as He calls them gates. These two gates presumably lead to the same place, heaven. Why do I say that? Because no one, if they could see far enough down the path, would consciously choose the gate that leads to hell and eternal destruction, they would choose the gate that leads to heaven and eternal life.
Notice too that Jesus does not give his listeners a choice. He specifically tells them (commands them in the Greek) to enter through the narrow gate. Now that's enough to turn many people off today. Do not tell me how to live my life. I am able to make decisions concerning my eternal destiny on my own. I will choose whichever gate I want to thankyou.
As I said a few weeks ago, some Christian parents fall into the trap of letting their children formulate their own decisions concerning religion and church and God. But Jesus specifically commands us not to do that. He commands us to enter by the narrow gate.
Some people have branded Christians as narrow minded because they say that there is only one way to heaven. Well, that is what Jesus said. He was either right or He was wrong. He either knew what He was talking about or He did not. I would like to think that if Jesus is the Son of God, He knew what He was talking about.
The Two Ways
Everyone has a choice of two gates. One must choose wisely, because your choice of gates sets you on a road that leads to a final destination. While it is not specifically said here, it is implied that once you enter the gate there is no turning around. Once you enter the gate you are carried along by the crowd you are traveling with until you reach your final destination.
Reminds me of the time my brother David and I went to the Oktoberfest in Munich Germany. David and I were both stationed in Germany about 30 miles apart. We went on a tour bus to Munich to the Oktoberfest in 1975 or 76. We got in line to ride the Ferris wheel and the line was so crowded that there was a point when my feet were no longer touching the ground as the crowd pushed its way to the gate. You could not move and you could not get out of line; you were just stuck until you got to the front and got on the ride.
In Jesus illustration, one gate is wide and the path behind it is wide. In our world today, a wide gate and a wide path means easy access. You might not experience the pushing that I experienced in Munich, but the lesson is still the same. More people will choose the wide gate and the wide path because it is easier. It is an easier choice because "everyone else is doing it." It is an easier choice because it is not as restrictive. It is an easier choice because there are not as many rules to follow. It is an easier choice because it offers more options. It is an easier choice, but it's the wrong choice. Why? Jesus said that the wide gate leads to destruction and many enter through it.
Throughout the Bible God has given men two choices. Moses said to the people, "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live," Deuteronomy chapter 30: 19.
Elijah the prophet challenged God's people to make a choice between God and Baal. First Kings 18: 21 "Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."
Jesus proclaimed to His disciples, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14: 6
Jesus words sound pretty narrow to me. The Pharisees did not like that option. They had already chosen a different road. They had chosen the road of legalism through obedience to the Law of Moses. They were trusting in their own self righteousness to get them to heaven. This is the same road that many people choose to take today. Trusting in ones own goodness. Trusting that the good things they do in life will outweigh the bad things they do in the eyes of God.
There is only one problem with this. Jesus says, "No one comes to the Father except through me."
The Two Destinations
Some of you may be thinking what difference does it make? Many people believe that a loving God will not punish anyone. Everyone will go to heaven and if they do not, they still will not end up in a place of eternal punishment. Some would even say that the word translated destruction in Matthew 7 indicates that death will bring complete annihilation of the body, soul and spirit. The Greek word actually means ruin or loss. Vines dictionary says of the root word "The idea is not extinction but ruin, loss, not of being, but of well-being."
Jesus speaks extensively of Hell as a place of eternal punishment. In (Matthew) chapter eight he calls it a place of darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In chapter 13 He calls it a fiery furnace. In chapter 18 He calls it an eternal fire. In chapter 25 He calls it the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Exactly where hell is and what it is, I do not know. What I do know is there is a way that leads to eternal life. It is through the narrow gate. It is on the narrow path that only a few will find. Jesus says that He is that gate. He is that path. Choose Jesus and you choose eternal life. Reject Jesus and you choose death.
Conclusion
It is that simple. God has given each one of us the freedom of choice. He does not make anyone choose Him. I cannot make anyone choose Jesus. The church cannot make anyone choose to accept Jesus as Lord. Every person has the freedom to choose or reject Jesus as Lord of their life. Every person can choose which gate he wants to enter and which road he wants to travel. But listen carefully, the choice has eternal consequences. What will you choose?