Our scripture this morning is Matthew 7:13-14.
You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
In this chapter Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with the call to follow Him. Evil opens a “highway to hell”, the easy road. Believers are cautioned to avoid being led into this trap. Jesus Himself is the narrow gate through which the righteous may enter God’s kingdom.
The decision is ours, but there is no middle road; it is His way or no way. Jesus tells us “no one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). God sent His Son to be with us as one of us that we might see what a life in connection to Him means.
All are invited to be part of God’s plan but we have to choose to accept His terms: to love Him and one another, and go share His love with the world. This is not negotiable. While we may still stumble and fall, His love and forgiveness wait for those who repent and get back on the path.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ our Lord who came to save us and show us a better life in You. Guide us through the narrow gate into salvation. Amen.
