“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. Matthew 7:13-14
I remember reading this passage and thinking, "That doesn't make sense! If Jesus was truly the life that fulfills me and restores me, wouldn’t His road be wide?" Sadly, that's not the case. Yes, Jesus is the only way to life, but it also comes with a cost. An expensive cost at that. It will cost you your life. Whether we eat, sleep, breathe, move – it all goes back to the glory of God. We are not our own; we are bonded to Him by the blood of Jesus. We are His people, and He is our Lord. Sometimes, God asks us to do things we really don’t want to do. Take Jonah in the Bible for example. God asked Him to minister to a city that Jonah hated, and was scared of. Look at the Prophet Ezekiel. He was called to be a Prophet to a nation that hated God, and was mean to Ezekiel. Sometimes when we follow Jesus, it feels like we are being stripped of everything we want in this world. But that's the thing! The more the world decreases in our lives, the more His kingdom increases! Jesus is the only thing that can truly satisfy us. We were made for Him! Everything else is a counterfeit.
The desires of this world are tempting. This verse actually says that most people will get caught up in the sin of this world and live according to their sinful desires. If only they knew the truth that Jesus is the only One that can bring life. If you feel like you're having a hard time with this journey of following Jesus, please know that this is very normal. Jesus promised us it would not be easy, and in this world, we will have troubles as we follow Him. But, don’t give up. He has overcome the world and so will we, as we continue to follow Him.
Questions for Application
- Why do you think this scripture states that the road of the world is broad, and the road to God is narrow?
- How can you continue to walk the narrow road, even when it’s hard?
Prayer
“Father, I will follow You. Teach me to follow You on the narrow road, no matter how difficult it may be. I want for Your kingdom to increase in my life, so show me how to follow You, no matter the cost.”