From Christ's Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
As I began familiarizing myself with Scripture a couple of decades ago, specific words in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount bothered me tremendously. Matthew 7:13-14 provides the reality of our world, and as a derivative of its truth, we know most people will not enter God’s eternal kingdom. Unfortunately, life’s experience shows us that most reject Christ in favor of living for the world. This includes all varieties of people: many churchgoers, those who follow the world’s guidelines for gain, "nice people" with good intentions, and those who outright reject Christ in outward behavior and speech.
As such, the word few, as presented by Jesus in Matthew 17:13, carries heavy implications. It is derived from the Greek word oligos, which means little. Consequently, most people will not find eternal life because the world's way puts up no resistance. It's easy. Following Christ is challenging and meets resistance.
Making intertextual connections, in Luke 13:24, the Lord states, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” This exhortation also conveys that the narrow way to life is strenuous. The heart has to find humility as opposed to pride. Furthermore, the flesh loves sin and the offerings of the temporal environment. Although none can enter heaven by merit, following Christ directly opposes fallen human nature.
Before the flood, even though Noah preached while building the ark, most rejected the truth. Only eight people were spared from destruction. Jesus tells us it will be this way once again when He returns (Luke 17:26-34). Most will be preoccupied with their daily lives, not expecting God’s return…not placing Him above all things in their hearts.
So, how do we respond to this? While God alone saves, He commands us to share the Gospel with others (Matthew 28:19-20). The first opportunity is within our own families and those in our communities. How could we let anyone continue on the way to destruction without sharing the truth? In reality, our love for others in sharing the Gospel exhibits a fruit of saving faith. If the truth is rejected, we must continue to share it. This path is difficult and avoided by many; loving God and loving others is not the way of the world. May we counter the world and its folly; may we show others mercy and love by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:24-29
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell-and great was its fall." When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Matthew 9:37-38
Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Matthew 22:14
"For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
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