Matthew 7:13

Saturday, 8 February 2025

 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Matthew 7:13

 

“You enter through the narrow gate. Because wide the gate and spacious the way, the ‘leading to the destruction,’ and many, they are, those entering through it” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus gave a summary statement of the Law and Prophets, noting that what you want men to do to you, do also for them. Now, He continues with words that concern the issue of salvation, beginning with, “You enter through the narrow gate.”

 

The pulé, gate, is introduced here. It signifies the leaf or wing of a folding entrance. Jesus will refer to the kingdom of heaven in verse 7:21, and so His words now are setting up how to enter that kingdom.

 

The word is also used metaphorically for the gates of Hades as well –

 

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

 

Please note that Hades is not the ultimate end of man, meaning the Lake of Fire. Rather, it is the depository for the dead of all ages. It is the equivalent of Sheol in the Old Testament. As for Jesus’ words now, this word pulé is the same word used in the Greek Old Testament in Genesis 28 –

 

“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’ 17 And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate [Greek: pulé] of heaven!’” Genesis 28:16, 17

 

Jesus used that account in Genesis and applied it to Himself in John 1 –

 

“And He said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’” John 1:51

 

As Jesus is applying the idea of this gate to heaven being narrow, it is telling His disciples that it is not just an easy walk-through for throngs and throngs all at once. Rather, it is passage for a small amount at any one time.

 

Of this gate, Jesus introduces the word stenos, narrow. It is used only three times in the New Testament, and each is used in the same general context. Its use in Luke 13:24 is in connection with a thura, door, instead of a gate. Being used in the same context as here in Matthew, Jesus is using the words in a synonymous manner.

 

This is important to remember, because the thura is the same word used by Jesus when referring to Himself as well –

 

“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door [thura] of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door [thura]. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.’” John 10:7-10

 

Putting together these pieces of the larger picture of what the Bible is conveying to us, the words of Jesus continue with, “Because wide the gate and spacious the way, the ‘leading to the destruction.’”

 

Jesus gives a contrasting thought to the gate into the kingdom of the heavens. Instead of being narrow, the gate and way to destruction will fit many all at once. It is an easy and open access point, like the southern border of the United States during the Biden administration.

 

The word Jesus uses, translated as wide, is found only here, platus. It gives the sense of being spread out flat. Thus, it is something broad or wide. It is where our modern word “plate” is derived from.

 

The word translated as spacious, euruchóros, is also found only here. It is derived from two words indicating broad or wide as a space or territory, like a region. It is like there is an entire district that is opened up to swallow the unbelieving of humanity.

 

In these words are still two more new words to consider, apagó, to lead, lead away, lead astray, put to death, etc. It is an external action that affects the one being led. The other word is apóleia, destruction. It signifies something being completely severed or cut off from what should have been.

 

Jesus’ words concerning these things imply that such an end is a much more likely way for people to take. As He next says, “and many, they are, those entering through it.”

 

Jesus is giving hints of the path to salvation that must later be pieced together from other parts of Scripture. Ultimately, what He is saying points to Him being the narrow point of access to reconciliation with God. Any other supposed path is part of a much wider access point that leads to separation from God.

 

Gates are used to allow access, but they are also used to restrict both access and egress. Jesus’ words ask His readers to consider where they are going, how they intend to get there, and the ramifications of taking the wrong way.

 

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’
6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:5, 6

 

Life application: The symbolism used here is consistent with that used in the Old Testament. There is a narrow way that one can return to fellowship with God, and there is a world of ways that fail to allow that fellowship.

 

When one pursues the right path, there is an infinite expanse on the other side where eternal fellowship is realized. On the contrary, there is a cramped, dark, and terrifying enclosure on the other side for those who choose the wrong path.

 

The path to restoration is one that calls for faith in what God has done through Jesus. The path to destruction is one that rejects faith in Jesus. This includes other religious preferences that don’t include Jesus. However, it also includes those who claim to be Christians but who are relying on their own works rather than faith in what Christ has done. And more, it includes those who follow a false Jesus.

 

As you can see, God has given us one avenue. That is through faith in the finished work of Jesus. Only His shed blood can cover your sins and provide a reconciliation between God and you. Choose wisely. Choose Jesus.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to responsibly consider our state before You, acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves, and then may we do what is right by throwing ourselves at the foot of the cross, faithfully accepting what Jesus has done. He alone can restore us to You. Help us to get this message out! Thank You, O God, for Jesus our Lord. Amen.