In life many of us stand at the cross roads of our life and think which way to go.
Sometimes we regret for those choices which had negative impact on our life.
Yogi Berra, the legendary former Baseball player was famous for his use of words in English.
“If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it."
A fork in the road of life Demands a Decision to reach a Destination.
May we be careful the choices we make that may have devastating effect on our life.
Lord Jesus throughout Sermon on the Mount speaks of contrasts in spiritual life.
He taught everyone has two options in spiritual life – to choose life or death.
His sermon demands an absolute choice that leads to eternal life.
But Lord gives two choices only one possibility for the people to choose.
A contrast is between two kinds of roads of life – one is difficult & the other is smooth.
These two verses offer two gates, two ways, and two destinations with two outcomes.
The narrow gate that leads to a narrow way – heaven is the destination.
And the wide gate that leads a broad way – hell is the destination.
I. THE LORD’S CHOICE (13a) “Enter through the narrow gate.”
Lord Jesus is not speaking literally of gates but only figuratively.
Lord Jesus commands everyone to choose His choice – the narrow gate.
The Narrow Gate does not appeal to human eye but we have to choose it because the Lord said so.
I. INVITING BROAD GATE (13b)
“Wide is the gate”
This gate is so wide that it allows as many people as possible like a 6 lane freeway in USA.
This gate is always inviting and compelling – no restrictions of any kind – a smooth and comfortable to travel – above all it is so accessible to one and all.
“Broad is the road”
Allows every kind of baggage – baggage of worldly attractions – all religious beliefs – all lifestyles – all philosophies - all worldly treasures – all that this world offers.
“Leads to destruction and many enter through it”
Lord Jesus says the final destination of this wide gate opens to a wide road that ends in eternal hell and punishment.
Unfortunately many knew about the outcome of this gate yet still prefer it because of its attractions and glitters of the world.
Momentarily all who prefer this gate & road have success – happiness- enjoyment of material things of this world.
This world does not like restrictions - the one who travels on this has no restrictions of any kind – one has lots of companions travelling on this road.
II. INTIMIDATING NARROW GATE (14)
The Lord’s command was very specific to enter through the narrow gate.
It is not an option but a command to enter this narrow gate.
The requirement for this narrow gate is every individual has to enter alone one person at a time.
So it is intensely a personal journey of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is because our love & faith in Lord Jesus we are compelled to enter this narrow gate.
The narrow road provides other disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These travelers do have an unseen companion to walk with, the Holy Spirit.
This way leads to eternal life but the starting point is here on earth.
Very few people travel on this narrow path that leads to eternal life.
The broader road leads to a place that ends in eternal destruction of the soul.
The narrow path though difficult to travel has a wonderful & blissful ending.
Entering the narrow gate is the beginning and travelling on way with the Lord is no option and devil’s temptations are always a challenge.
My friend which road are you travelling?
The Lord keeps bringing the narrow road at every corner of the broad way and provides His grace to stop and think for His plans for you.
Remember, only the narrow gate & narrow way leads to eternal heaven.