The Narrow and Wide Gates

Matthew 7:13-14

1.  Jesus speaks of two gates; one which leads to destruction; and another which leads to life.
2.  His direction is to enter the strait or Narrow gate.
3.  The gate which many enter is clear and broad.
4.  The strait gate seems to be hardly noticed by the masses.

I.  THE NARROW/STRAIT GATE REQUIRES SOME PRECISE MEASURES TO ENTER.

II.  THERE APPEARS TO BE NOTHING NECESSARY TO ENTER THE BROAD GATE.

III.  THE NARROW GATE LEADS TO A NARROW, DIFFICULT PATH, BUT ONE OF DIRECTION.

IV.  THE BROAD GATE IS EASY AND SMOOTH; ONLY THE END IS DESTRUCTION AND THERE APPEARS TO BE NO TURNING AROUND POINT.

Application
i.  When one hears Jesus say “Enter in at the strait gate” one better enter the strait gate.
ii.  In life one needs to be attentive to the direction Jesus gives.
iii.  Jesus is the Gate/Door by which one must enter into life. (John 10:7)
iv.  Rejecting Jesus leads to destruction or better understood as eternal death.

-Tim A. Blankenship