The Narrow Road Leads to Life | May 8th, 2021

Strolling down cobblestone streets in picturesque villages throughout the beautiful country of Spain was an experience I will always remember. Uniquely shaped colorful doors lined each side. As I walked down these old, narrow streets dating back several centuries, it truly felt like traveling back in time. I was very grateful for my sturdy shoes with good tread as the cobblestones were uneven and not always easy to walk on.

There is a narrow, difficult road that Jesus talked about as well. During His Sermon on the Mount, He taught His disciples about the narrow road that leads to life:

“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

It would have been a lot easier to walk on the smooth, wide roads as my husband and I toured the many quaint towns throughout Spain, but we would have missed out on so much of the charm when walking down the narrow, romantic cobblestone streets.

The broad road that Jesus talked about is the road most people end up choosing in life because our human nature naturally gravitates toward ease and comfort. It is paved with moral compromise and alluring attractions providing temporary, worldly pleasure over the self-sacrifice necessary for following Jesus on the narrow road. 

Those who take the narrow road must give up their love for the world and everything in it, giving their heart’s affections to Him. Sadly, many are not willing to do that. So it was with sorrow, not discrimination, that Jesus described the road leading to life as “narrow and only a few will find it.”

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. I John 2:15-16

We all deserve to have to stay on the broad road that leads to destruction (hell) because of our sin. But because of His love, Jesus Christ made a way for every one of us to be on the narrow road that leads to eternal life (heaven).

Through His death on the cross and the shedding of His blood, He covered our sin by paying the penalty for us. When we accept His blood atonement as the payment for our sin, we are fully forgiven and righteous in His sight. He is holy, so therefore we must be made holy before we can enter into eternity with Him. Jesus made it very clear that He is the ONLY way…

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The broad road is crowded and very deceptive. Proverbs 16:25 says: There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. This world is good at promising us everything we could ever want, but it leaves us with anxiety, a longing for more, despair, loneliness, and deep regret. 

If you were to ask someone on the broad road why God should let them into heaven you may hear them say, “Because I believe in God.” 

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19

Perhaps they would say, “I’m a good person. I go to church, I volunteer my time, I give to charity, I’m very religious, and I have never done anything really bad.” 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

The narrow road that Jesus offers is radically different and provides a life filled with peace, contentment, hope, joy, and freedom. There is nothing we can do to deserve it or earn it. Eternal life is a free gift that is available through Jesus Christ alone.

How comforting to know God is so patient with us as we take our time strolling in rebellion on the broad road throughout much of our lives. He does not want anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance. Like my sturdy shoes with good tread, He is right there with us every step we take on the difficult, narrow road to make sure our foot will not slip. 

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3

Make the decision today, while you still have breath, to get off of the broad road that leads to destruction and eternal separation from God. Choose the narrow road that leads to life. It’s the most important decision you will ever make. This life on earth is so short but eternity lasts forever and ever and ever.

To get on the narrow road, admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior and repent of your sin. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. The moment you call upon the name of the Lord, you will be saved!

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Kimberly Moore is a blogger, speaker, and author of Beauty in a Life Repurposed and Kingdom Sparkle. To learn more, visit her website at kingdomsparkle.com.

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