Text: Matthew 7:13–20

From the text, the passage was talking about two gates. One is narrow or strait, and the second is wide or broad. As generally put, we know that gate means an entrance where one can go in or come out.

In order to enter into the kingdom of heaven, our Lord uses what we can understand to illustrate the mystery of heaven, where He wants us to be with Him for eternity.

Jesus Himself testified that He is the only way by which whoever believes in Him can get to heaven – John 14:6

As Jesus taught His disciples many things on the mountain (the Beatitudes), He demanded from all His followers to walk in the narrow way, which entails self-denial.

We must close our eyes to the things of this world generally.
We should focus on things above, where Christ is seated.
This is how we can walk on the narrow way to heaven.

Living for God

The love of God must be paramount in our daily activities and living.
We should know the ‘likes and dislikes’ of God.
We should like what He likes and hate what He hates!

However, only few people will be able to do this. Jesus Himself said that many are called but few are chosen.

Challenges of the Narrow Gate

The narrow gate is not an easy passage. It consists of:

• Self-restraint
• Stress
• Commitment
• Resoluteness and focus
• Hatred
• Persecution
• Suffering from the world for the sake of the Gospel

Jesus said, whoever endures all those things listed and many others for the sake of the kingdom shall be saved.

This He said further, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” – John 15:14

Encouragement for the Journey

In this journey of life, as Christian pilgrims, we are admonished to be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world for us – John 16:33

There is no way we can be true followers of Christ without trials, sufferings, and temptations.
But we should not compromise the faith of Christ in us to the world.

Avoiding the Broad Way

Looking for easy and quick solutions in difficult situations by following false prophets is walking on the broad way.

The Bible says, we should endure trials:

“Blessed are those who endure temptation, for they shall receive the crown of glory…” – James 1:12

Stay Focused and Guided

Finally, we should always be guided and focused.
God demands our intimate relationship with Him all the days of our lives, over any other thing, if truly we want to enter the kingdom of God through the narrow gate.

The Bible says, it is even easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

This implies that all believers in Christ are rich indeed.
It does not mean the possession of earthly wealth and riches.

When you believe in Christ, you have all things, no matter your status.
Paul says, “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” This is the joy we have in Jesus Christ.

Live a Sacrificed Life

This means that we should always live a sacrificed life, so that we can be able and ready to help the poor and needy ones – Deuteronomy 15:11

Therefore, we should guide our salvation jealously in walking on the narrow way that leads to heaven!

We should strive for the kingdom of heaven and patiently run the race before us without wavering.

We should shun the world and the lust therein — we are not of the world.

Whoever loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him – 1 John 2:15–17

Spiritual Disciplines for the Journey

• Redeem the time, for the days are evil.
• Pray without ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Abstain from all appearances of evil – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
• Study the Word and be approved unto God – 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 3:13

Final Words

The last but not the least:

Let God be the number one priority in your life – Matthew 6:33
Be led of the Spirit always – Galatians 5:16–18

The way to heaven is guaranteed by abiding in these laid down rules and with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Heaven is our goal — and we shall make it in Jesus’ name. Amen!

By Pastor T.J Oluwadamilare