MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014
THE NARROW GATE

Jesus described two gates, two roads, and two destinations: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

Notice that the second gate is narrow (Matthew 7:14). Narrow meant that only one gate led to life. Jesus described inside out righteousness, one that looks within to find His Spirit. Christ is that Gate (John 10:7-9). Jesus told the Pharisees that the kingdom of God was within them, or in their midst (Luke 17:21). Describing the two gates to the Israelites who were entering the Promised Land, God said through Moses that the narrow gate was in their mouths and in their hearts (Deuteronomy 30:14). Referencing this passage, Paul told the Romans that the narrow gate within is where they find Christ (Romans 10:4-13). He called this the mystery of the gospel, Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

The road is also narrow. Jesus' hearers would have been very familiar with the images here. Two thousand years ago, cities had narrow roads to private entrances where people could enter and exit the city walls. These entrances spanned only six feet wide. Here Jesus was describing the personal relationship with His Spirit. Paul described this as the road that led to life (Romans 8:9- 11). Again, Christ is that Road (John 14:6).

The destination is life. The Greek word for "life" is zoe, which means abundant and eternal life. Jesus said that we find life with God when we enter His narrow gate (John 10:10). Christ is that Destination of Life (John 14:6).

Few find it. And the few who do are the humble in heart (Matthew 5:3; 18:3). The key to the narrow gate of Christ is humility. He holds the key (Revelation 3:7) because He is humble in heart (Matthew 11:29). His half-brother James said that we should humbly receive the word of God planted in us that can save us (James 1:21).

Today, choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Humbly go through the narrow gate, down the road with the Holy Spirit. It is a matter of the heart, and the only way to experience life with God.

Blessings,

For more, watch:

Episode 22: The Gate, The Road, The Destination

Hardcover

336 Pages
Credo House Publishers
1st Edition (March 2010)

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Study Guide

12-Week Series
80 Pages
Credo House Publishers (2010)

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DVD

12-Week Series
120 Minutes
Credo House Publishers (2010)

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