Matthew 7:13-23 "Enter by the narrow gate... "  There are only two possibilities offered to every individual - life or destruction.  The choice we make in this world determines our eternal future. 

Jesus tells us that the "gate is small" and the way is "narrow" that leads to life.  The  Greek word here indicates that the way is narrow due to obstacles that stand close about.. The fact is, Jesus says, "few are those who find it."  In Luke 13:24 Jesus says, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." 

The "wide" gate and the "broad way"  lead to destruction.  "Many are those who enter by it."  Those who do not choose the narrow way are left outside of the Kingdom.  Jesus says that it a place where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Luke 13:28)

The narrow way, then, is the way we want to go.  To do so, we need to be aware of the obstacles.  First of all, Jesus says, we need to be "aware of false prophets..."  Not every preacher preaches the truth.  Some are like "ravenous wolves".  Those are Jesus' words.. not mine.  Those who have not chosen the narrow gate, who are not striving for the narrow way.. are those who have not discerned the truth.. who are swept up in the lies of the the false prophets of this world.  We can see it happening in our world - people swept up in the lies of "wokeness".  People swept up in the lies of false religions.  People swept up in the lies of materialism.   People who think that nothing really matters so why bother with doing what is right.. just do what ever you feel like. etc..etc..etc... 

Jesus tells us that we need to be discerning. "You will know them by their fruits."  We need to look beyond the words, even beyond the actions of others.  We need to look for "good fruit".  Only those who  do the "will of My Father who is in heaven.. " can produce good fruit, Jesus says.  Only those who KNOW Jesus and walk in His ways.. having entered the small gate..and are walking the narrow way.. can produce good fruit. 

There are two greek words used for our word "good".  The first is agathos- meaning an intrinsic value - it is a "good tree" that produces good fruit. It is out of a good heart that a man can speak what is good. (Matthew 12:33)  The second word is kalos - meaning beautiful, valuable, virtuous, honest.. worthy.  The fruit of our lives is determined by the substance of our hearts...which is determined by the treasure that we hold there. Only then will we see the worthy, beautiful, valuable fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control produced.. by His Presence.. His Spirit in control.. at work in us.  Thank You Jesus!

 It matters that we strive for the narrow way.. and that we overcome the obstacles that try to block our way to the truth! As the writer of Hebrews said, ".. let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith...." ( Hebrews 12:1-2)

Let us strive- struggle, compete, contend, fight, labor fervently -  for the way of Jesus. 

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.  We are so aware of our helplessness before You. We are so easily encumbered with the things of this world.. our worries and fears.. our aches and our pains.. our hopes and our pleasures.. Help us to continually  discern the narrow way. Help us to put on the belt of Truth and stand firm against all the schemes of the devil and the struggles against the powers of the world forces.  Our world has fallen away from You.. from Truth.. and is in desperate need for the Good News.. Good news that needs to come from hearts made good by Your Spirit in all who believe that Jesus Christ is King.  Make our ways straight, Lord.  You are the Vine and we are the branches.. let Your fruit flourish in us so that the world will see Your glory and repent and be saved.   Thank You, Jesus. Amen.