“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
In the Gospel of Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus presents a choice – two roads leading to two vastly different destinations. The wide road is easy, accommodating, and often crowded, but leads to destruction. The narrow road, though challenging and demanding, leads to life. This is not simply about morality, it is about our relationship with Jesus and our response to His call. Though the narrow road requires faith, surrender, and perseverance, God lovingly calls us to follow Him, guiding us every step of the way. His desire is not simply for us to follow rules but to walk closely with Him.
1. Loving Jesus by Walking His Way
John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet. He is the only way to God. Choosing the narrow path means choosing Him completely, rejecting worldly influences that lead us astray. In John 10:9, Jesus also declares, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.” Jesus uses the imagery of a gate, signifying that He is the only way to salvation. The narrow road begins by entering through Him, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior. Choosing this road means surrendering our plans for His purpose, trusting Him when the journey feels difficult, and obeying Him out of love, not duty. There is a need to invite God into our private lives and then public lives. Are you following Jesus out of love or just religious obligation? Where do you need to trust Him more today?
2. Relying on the Holy Spirit’s Strength
John 16:13 – “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”
The Holy Spirit is our divine helper and guide, leading us in wisdom, truth, and discernment. Walking the narrow road is impossible without His strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist temptation, stand firm in trials, and keep moving toward God’s heart. The wide road leads away from God, but the narrow road leads straight to His heart. Choose the narrow road today. Surrender what holds you back, trust His leading, and embrace the Holy Spirit’s power. Walking this path is not about trying harder but relying more on Him. Are you relying on your own strength or trusting the Holy Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your walk today?
3. A Call to the Narrow Road
Luke 9:23 – “Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us also to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Our Christian journey is a race of endurance. To stay on course, we must remove distractions, hold onto faith, and keep our focus on Jesus. Make a commitment to walk with Christ. Jesus calls us to a life that is not about ease, but about eternity. If God is speaking to you today, calling you to surrender, trust, or follow Him more deeply, respond to Him. How can you strengthen your walk with Him this week? Remember that walking the narrow road is a lifelong journey—it requires constant faith, surrender, and perseverance. But we do not walk it alone—Jesus leads us, the Holy Spirit strengthens us, and God’s love sustains us. Where do you need more faith to walk the narrow road boldly?
Take time this week to read Matthew 7:13-14 in different translations. Reflect on areas where God is calling you deeper.
A Prayer for us:
Father, I desire to walk with You. Open my heart to hear Your call and strengthen me to follow Your way. Help me reject the ways of the world and embrace the path You have set before me. Jesus, I choose You above all. Teach me to surrender, trust, and walk in love daily. I want to know You more and follow You faithfully. Holy Spirit, I lean on You today. Empower me to walk the narrow road with confidence and joy. Lord, today I choose the narrow road, not because it is easy, but because it leads to You. Strengthen me, guide my steps, and help me never turn back. Keep my heart fixed on You and let me increasingly walk in faith each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Matthew 7:13-14
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.
Tuesday: John 14:6
Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Wednesday: John 10:9
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.
Thursday: John 16:13
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.
Friday: Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Saturday: Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’
Sunday: Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
All scriptures are quoted from the English Standard Version (ESV).
By Bro David Jeremiah Mok
