“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.”– Matthew 7:13 (KJV)
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to Hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.”– Matthew 7:13 (NLT)
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.”– Matthew 7:13 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 7:13 Mean?
In this pivotal verse from the Gospel of Matthew, we find a significant teaching from Jesus. He speaks about the choices individuals must make in life regarding salvation and righteousness. The verse highlights two contrasting paths: the narrow gate, which leads to life, and the wide gate, which leads to destruction. Understanding the meaning behind these gates is essential for grasping the broader message Jesus is conveying.
The narrow gate symbolizes the difficult path of following Christ, adhering to His teachings, and living a life of faith. This pathway requires sacrifice, discipline, and commitment. In contrast, the wide gate represents the easy and popular route, where many choose to follow their desires and worldly temptations. This path may seem more appealing and accessible, but it ultimately leads to spiritual ruin. The stark differences between these paths serve as a powerful reminder of the choices we face each day in our walk with God.
Matthew 7:13 Explanation and Commentary
When Jesus spoke these words, He wasn’t just presenting an abstract idea. Instead, He distilled the essence of life’s spiritual journey into a simple but profound metaphor. It can be tempting to take the easy route; after all, it seems like it requires less effort and brings immediate gratification. We often observe this in our daily lives; whether it’s the temptation to cheat on a test or to take shortcuts in our responsibilities, the allure of the wide path can easily distract us. Yet, as believers, we need to understand the long-term consequences of such choices.
The wide gate leads to destruction because it often encourages behaviors and choices contrary to God’s Word. Scripture is rich with warnings of the outcomes of ungodly living. For instance, in Proverbs 14:12, the author states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” This verse echoes the message of Matthew 7:13, emphasizing that appearances can be deceiving. Many opt for the easy way, believing it to be the better option, while Isaiah warns of similar delusions in Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”
Conversely, the narrow gate isn’t just challenging; it’s also rewarding. While we may face hardships as we strive to live righteously, we also have the promise of abundant life. Jesus assures us in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Choosing the narrow path means we get to experience the fullness of joy, hope, and peace that comes from aligning our lives with God’s will.
As we work to make choices that honor God, let us remind one another that the journey through the narrow gate is an endeavor worth pursuing. It’s a process that may be filled with trials, but it builds character and deepens our relationship with Christ. Each step we take on this path is an opportunity to grow and help others know the joy of entering through the narrow gate.
Context of Matthew 7:13
To understand Matthew 7:13 fully, we must consider the context in which Jesus spoke. This verse is situated within the well-known Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about various aspects of life and faith. The Sermon begins with the Beatitudes and goes on to touch on several topics, including the law, anger, lust, love for enemies, and prayer.
In chapter 7, verse 13, Jesus shifts His focus to the theme of choices and paths. Just before this verse, He encourages His followers to ask, seek, and knock, promising that they will receive answers (Matthew 7:7-8). It’s interesting that He transitions to discussing the paths available to us immediately after encouraging persistence in our relationship with God. This strong connection illustrates the importance of our choices in that relationship.
Moreover, immediately following Matthew 7:13, Jesus warns about false prophets who appear as “sheep but are really wolves” (Matthew 7:15). This warning indicates the need for discernment in our journey. Choosing the narrow path often means being cautious of what we accept as truth. We should constantly evaluate the voices around us and ensure they align with Biblical truth, as not everything that seems right is genuinely from God.
This context further emphasizes the point that the decision to enter the narrow gate is not just a one-time choice; it’s a continual commitment to following Christ and His teachings. It challenges us to reflect on our daily decisions and the influences we allow in our lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 7:13
Let’s take a closer look at the key components of Matthew 7:13 to better understand its message. The two gates mentioned symbolize different choices in life. The narrow gate represents the call to salvation and a relationship with Christ, while the wide gate represents the allure of worldly desires.
Firstly, the phrase “Enter ye in” signifies action. It requires a willingness to make a choice and step through that gate. This call to action invites us to take personal responsibility for our faith journey. We cannot rely on others to make this choice for us; it is a decision we have to make every day.
The concept of the “strait gate” indicates that this path isn’t without its difficulties. The narrowness implies constraints, challenges, and trials. However, as we embrace this path, we also need to recognize the ultimate outcome—an everlasting relationship with God. Through trials comes growth and a deepening of our faith.
Next, Jesus contrasts the narrow gate with the wide gate, emphasizing the differences between the two. The wide gate is inviting and easy to access. Many choose this path without considering the consequences. This stark contrast reminds us to assess our surroundings, particularly the influences we allow into our lives.
Finally, the phrase “many there be which go in thereat” speaks to the idea of popularity versus truth. Just because a choice is popular doesn’t make it right. We are reminded to stand firm in our faith, even when the majority takes a different direction. The path of righteousness may be less traveled, yet it leads to life — and life eternal.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 7:13
From Matthew 7:13, we can extract several crucial lessons that guide us in our daily lives. One striking lesson is the importance of making conscious choices regarding our spiritual journeys. We have the freedom to decide between the narrow path that leads to life and the wide path that leads to destruction. The challenge lies in continually choosing the narrow way, even when the world entices us toward the broad road.
Additionally, this verse encourages us to develop a mindset of discernment. Jesus warns about the many who choose the wide gate, and we, too, must be cautious about our choices. We should weigh our decisions in light of Scripture. As stated in Philippians 4:8, we should focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This mindset allows us to filter through the noise of the world and make decisions that align with God’s will.
Moreover, the call to enter through the narrow gate also speaks to the need for perseverance. The journey of faith is not always smooth, and we may encounter obstacles, doubts, and hardships. However, these trials are often our opportunities for growth and reliance on God’s strength. As it is highlighted in Romans 5:3-5, we should rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that they produce perseverance, character, and hope.
Finally, we are reminded of the implications of our choices not just for ourselves but also for those around us. Our decision to follow the narrow path can influence our family, friends, and communities. Living as examples of faith encourages others to seek and enter the narrow gate. We fulfill our role as lights in the world, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in a way that draws others towards Him.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 7:13 presents us with a critical choice about how we live our lives. The narrow gate requires us to commit ourselves to following Christ in every area of our lives. It reminds us that although the path may be challenging, the rewards are immensely great. Choosing this path means choosing a life that reflects Christ’s love, grace, and righteousness.
This verse not only serves as a warning but also as encouragement. It prompts us to live intentionally and mindfully, seeking the path that leads to salvation and abundant life. As we walk together in faith, let us remind one another of the importance of entering through the narrow gate and embracing the transformative journey that comes with it. If you’re interested in exploring more about faith and personal growth, consider checking out other topics that can encourage your journey such as Matthew 11 or Genesis 18:3.