Today we enjoy fast travel across freeways and interstates. The rugged mountain trail is no longer our way of travel. During the time of the Gospels, much of the road access was narrow winding paths through mountain and desert terrain. Jesus used the idiom that represented the geography of Israel. The broad road was the International Highway that the Romans created. It connected the trade routes from Africa, Asia, and Europe. The natural highway passed through Israel and was well traveled by merchants, travelers, and pack animals. The narrow road, however, held the dangers of thieves, rocky narrow pathways, and steep hills for the traveler.
Jesus used the imagery that was familiar to His people. The International Highway was the easy way across the Promised Land. When He spoke of the narrow road or gate, it represented the singular way to enter the Kingdom of God. Narrow in this passage means one-way. Jesus is the only Gate to salvation. “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” – John 10:9
“I am the Way … No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
The broad road represented the easy way through the Holy land, and the result was destruction. Many frequently traveled the international highway. They brought pagan idols and foreign culture that disrupted the message of the Gospel. Jesus was holding a large road sign saying; “Warning! Caution Ahead!”
Perseverance and grief are not a destination. Our destination is to know God and one day live with Him in Heaven. Jesus is the only Way to Heaven. All other paths lead to sorrow, destruction, and eternal separation from God.
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” (Luke 13:24). The key words make every effort tell us that we are held accountable for our time and pursuit of God’s ways. As children of the Holy God, we bear the responsibility to read God’s Word, know what it means, and apply it to our daily lives. Wrong choices not only rob our peace but eventually will destroy our influence. It is imperative that we make every effort to follow the straight, narrow path of righteousness.
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