Matthew 7: 13-29   The teachings of Jesus recorded here, in the whole sermon on the mount,  cover a lot of territory.   Each section contains vital truths that our Father wants us to know and live by.   Here Jesus tells us that there are two gates and two ways.   He tells us to take the "narrow way".. the way to life.  Few will find this way, Jesus tells us. But, many will enter the wide gate that leads to destruction.

Matthew Henry's commentary says that we must know that there is no middle ground.  Either we choose the narrow way, the way of Christ, or we choose the broad way. "See concerning the way of sin and sinners, that the gate is wide, and stands open. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check on appetites or passions.  It is a broad way;  there are many paths in it; there is a choice of sinful ways."  It's easy to enter the broad way.. we are pre-disposed to head right in the gate.  We are deceived by the false teachings of the world and we take it all in.. not discerning the truth, not even looking at the "fruit" that such choices produce - misery, death, destruction;  eternal hell.

The narrow way is not the easy way, therefore, it is not the one chosen by many. But, it is the way to eternal life.  Matthew Henry wrote, " We are not in heaven as soon as we got through the strait gate. Self must be denied, the body kept under, and corruptions mortified. Daily temptations must be resisted; duties must be done. We must watch in all things, and walk with care; and we must go through much tribulation.  And yet this way should invite us all; it leads to life; to present comfort in the favor of God, which is the life of the souls; to eternal bliss, the hope of which at the end of our way, should make all the difficulties of the road easy to us. "

Jesus talked about the fruit from the good tree and the bad tree.  Fruit is the proof of what is at the core of our beings.  If we travel the broad way, we may claim to do wonderful works in the name of Christ.. but the fruit will reveal a sinful heart, a life foolishly built on the sand of lies and deception.
But, if we are choosing the narrow way, the way of Christ - denying ourselves, laying down our lives and taking up our crosses to follow Him - then our lives will bear fruit that is good.  Hearing the Word of Jesus and building our lives on Him;  acting in accordance with the Truth,  doing what He says - this will bring us into the Kingdom of heaven. 

Father God, exalted in glory, ruling over all of heaven and earth , we give You the honor due Your name. You alone are God and You are worthy of all our praise.  Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake.  Help us to choose and keep choosing the narrow way.  May we not grow faint or weary. When we are weak, strengthen us by  Your Spirit.  When we stray, bring us back to the narrow way.  When we struggle with the temptation to go our own way, remind us of the destruction that destination leads us to. Keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus, that we might walk in His paths always.  Thank You. In His name we pray. Amen.