13. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
All of us are sinners. We are all lost. We are all unholy and yet the love of God sent His only Son to die for the penalty of our sin and provides the way to know God. However, there are only a few that by faith enter through the narrow gate to receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Most do not.
According to National and International Religion Report, "Fewer than 10% of Americans are deeply committed Christians. These people are a breed apart. They are more tolerant of people of diverse backgrounds. They are more involved in charitable activities. They are more involved in practical Christianity. They are absolutely committed to prayer. Also, they are far happier than the rest of the population."
Most Americans who profess Christianity, don't know the basic teachings of the faith and they don't act significantly different from non-Christians in their daily lives. Not being grounded in faith, these professing believers are open for anything that comes along. They get the impression that just about everyone is going to heaven because a mankind is really nice. They are great to their kids and never cheat in business dealings. In fact, I have hardly met anyone who doesn't think they will eventually make it to heaven, regardless of their lives.
There are many false teachings that are promoted through the internet and popular media through songs, books, the New Age movement and Emergent church movement. Universalism is gaining ground with the elimination of hell. It is creeping into evangelical circles as well. There are teachers who conclude, “How can a loving God send anyone to Hell? Since Jesus died for the sins of the world, the whole world will be saved.
Many who knew Jesus rejected Him. The crowd wanted to praise and honor Jesus with palm branches because Jesus brought food, health, love, affirmation for the poor and hope for a better life, but when Jesus taught about commitment of salvation, people turned away. He suffered and was killed because of our sins. He was the sacrifice in our place on the cross. Those who do not put their faith in Jesus will go to hell.
Jesus spoke more on the reality of hell than any of the other portions of the Bible. Hell is punishment and suffering apart from God's presence eternally. We are all hell-bound until we go through the narrow gate and trust in Christ, crying out to Him for forgiveness and salvation.
There are only two roads. The broad road requires no discipline, no dos and don’ts. Everyone can go there regardless of their views. It offers fun, pleasure, and sensuality, but it leads to destruction. Sin always does. Men can choose to violate the laws of God, but it has a consequence.
Application: We cannot change the message to please our audience. There is nothing easy about becoming a follower of Jesus. Some want to see people saved so adapt the message to get acceptance, but that is not what Jesus does. If you are wiling to give up all you have, all you are, turn it over to Jesus, and obey Him, that is the narrow path. Only a few find it. Only a few want to.
Prayer: Lord, I want the narrow path that keeps my mind on You. May I never water down Your message that You ARE the Way, the Truth and the Life!
