Monday, September 19, 2011

The wide and the narrow roads

Mat 7: 13 – 14: 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."

Jesus tells us two things about the wide and broad gate and road. Firstly he said, "many enter through it." The wide gate and broad road is popular. The majority of people prefer it over the small gate and narrow road. Secondly, Jesus warns us that the broad road "leads to destruction." The road to hell, says Jesus, is broad, straight, smooth and trendy. It is really easy to go to hell. And people naturally choose this road for themselves – to follow the crowds, to take the easy way of least résistance that leads to hell.

Jesus also tells us two things about the small and narrow gate and road. Firstly he said that "only a few find it." The narrow road is not popular. Many people never find it. Secondly, Jesus tells us that the narrow road "leads to life." Everlasting life, that is. Life forever with God, he speaks about.

Jesus reminds us that the road to heaven is not the easy or the natural way for our lost mankind and society. To travel the narrow road requires sacrifice, commitment, a life of service, a constant struggle against sin, a constant evaluation of priorities.
The afterlife is very important to consider. We need to make sure we are walking on the right road.

Jesus also said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Who travels on the narrow way called Jesus, travels a road where we carry our daily cross in sacrificial service of our Lord. And this way, the Jesus-way, leads to heaven!

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