Why did Jesus say, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it,” in Matthew 7:14 when He was referring to heaven?
That statement doesn’t appear to be very inviting, or appealing, or even attainable, does it?
Just a few verses prior though, Jesus says this in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
We were all born with a human nature that is drawn towards comfort, and selfishness, and pleasure. I think the ‘narrow & difficult’ path Jesus describes is because surrendering ownership of our lives unto Him requires dying to our flesh.
Paul says in Galatians 2:20-21, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
Paul also said in Galatians 5:24-25, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
James 1:10-15 says, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
It’s vitally important to recognize the difference between being tempted, compared to being tested! We should expect to be tested throughout our entire lifetime. The reality when Jesus said our lives as His followers would be very difficult and narrow, should help us to persevere through all the trials and tests that come our way.
Wherever you may be on your personal faith journey, I think it’s helpful to realize that choosing to say “Yes” to Jesus doesn’t mean life is always going to be easy. Yet, consider His promise here in Hebrews 13:5-6, “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you!” So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”
Scripture is abundantly clear that God offers salvation to everyone who accepts it! John 1:9-12 says, “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
It’s a very sad reality that most people turn away from Jesus, rather than denying themselves whatever they think they deserve in this lifetime. We don’t do anyone any favors by sugar-coating the message of the gospel. Even though the vast majority of people are not willing to pay the price to follow Him, we should continue to share the truth in love, praying that people will ultimately choose the narrow & difficult road that leads to eternal life.