Matthew 7:13

¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

The Greek adjective “stenos” is used to describe something that is narrow or constricted. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus spoke about the narrow gate. Christ used the term narrow gate metaphorically to describe the path or the way that leads to life, emphasizing the difficulty and discipline required to follow it. This term highlights the contrast between the broad, easy path that leads to destruction and the narrow, challenging path that leads to eternal life.

 In the ancient world, roads and paths were often narrow and difficult to traverse, especially in hilly or mountainous regions. The imagery of a narrow path would have been familiar to Jesus’ audience, who understood the challenges of travel in such conditions. This metaphor would have resonated with them, illustrating the spiritual journey of following Christ as one that requires intentionality, focus, and perseverance.

Gate symbolizes as a single point of entry. In the ancient times the houses had only one door or one gate to get in to or out of the house. Since the houses were small they didn’t have a backdoor.

Jesus was speaking to His audience at that time that He Himself is the Gate. As I stated earlier the world offers many ways to seek God but Jesus gave man only one way to seek His Father. The single choice is Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way that anyone can be saved other than by Jesus Christ. For wide is the gate and many seek it. Seeking the wide road or gate will lead to destruction according to the words of Christ. No one knows God better than His Son Jesus Christ.

John 14:6

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!