The Broad and Narrow Gate
Luke 13:23–24 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Jesus taught the people about how a Christian should live. After hearing His teaching, someone asked, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” Jesus answered with a searching challenge: “Strive to enter through the narrow door.”
To strive means to make every effort, to do everything possible and to give ourselves fully to the goal. Jesus was not discouraging the man; He was showing him what God requires. The Christian life cannot be lived casually or half-heartedly. We are called to give our whole lives to Christ.
Yet our efforts do not earn us heaven. None of us deserves it. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Salvation is entirely by God’s grace. But that grace does not give us freedom to live as we please. God calls us to respond to His grace by striving to live a life that pleases Him.
There are only two ways: the narrow way and the broad way. There is no middle road. We cannot give Christ 50%, 90% or even 99% of our lives while holding something back. We may deceive others, but we cannot deceive God. The question each person must ask is: Am I truly following Christ with all my heart?
Striving involves every area of life—our prayer life, relationships, thoughts, words, attitudes and private lives. Like the spokes of a bicycle wheel, every part must be in its proper place. We cannot live outwardly as Christians while allowing bitterness, hidden sin or an unforgiving spirit to remain in our hearts.
The Scriptures repeatedly call us to make every effort: to be approved by God, to live at peace with others, and to pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification. Humility can resolve many conflicts. Even when someone has wronged us, we should be willing to make peace.
We must also deal honestly with sin. Hidden sin separates us from God and others. Confession brings what is hidden into the light and opens the way for restoration. Striving may also mean taking practical steps to avoid temptation. If a particular place, activity, friendship or habit repeatedly causes us to sin, we should not deliberately put ourselves there.
An illustration tells of an Indian prince who was given one final opportunity to prove that he could change. He had to carry a bowl filled to the brim with oil while two soldiers walked beside him with swords, ready to kill him if he spilled even one drop. They deliberately took him past the places where he had previously been tempted. When he returned safely, he explained that his eyes had remained fixed on the bowl. He could not afford to look elsewhere.
This illustrates the Christian life: keep your eyes on Jesus and the goal. The narrow road may require sacrifice, discipline and perseverance, but those who keep their eyes on Christ will not fail. God gives grace to those who sincerely seek Him.
Jesus also warned that the door will not remain open forever. There will come a time when it is closed. We must not presume that we will always have another opportunity to repent.
But the invitation of Jesus remains: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We do not have to carry the burden of sin. We can confess it, leave it behind and receive His help.
Every time God’s Word is preached, it is like a rope being thrown to someone trapped in a deep hole. But we must be willing to let go of whatever we are holding onto.
The narrow door is open today. Strive to enter. Give Christ everything, keep your eyes on Him, deal honestly with sin, make peace with others, and do not delay.
