Dead Men’s Bones
The Narrow Gate – Part 1

Scripture Reading: John 15:18-20

Key Verse: Matthew 7:14

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

When we walk through a narrow gate, we understand a few facts of life.  First, if I want to get to the other side, I must use that gate.  Second, if it is the only gate, I must accept its narrowness and use it.  Finally, one person at a time can walk through that gate.

Jesus described the Kingdom of God in terms of a narrow gate.  He made it very clear: If we want to get to eternal life, we must choose to go through the narrow gate.  In John 14:6 Jesus clarified how narrow this gate really is:  “No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Jesus is the narrow gate; there are no other gates to get us to eternal life.  Once again, we must decide: Is Jesus an egotistical nut case or the Son of the Living God?  Jesus leaves us no room for an indecisive “grey” area!  We must choose one path or the other!

Choosing the narrow gate means we walk through life as Jesus modeled.  First John 2:6 reminds us of this fact: “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”  The narrow gate leads to a narrow way of doing life.  We don’t get to choose a lot of options, like those on the broad path.  We must learn the “Jesus way” and go live it out!

Father, I am determined to stay on the narrow path of following Jesus.  Grant me your wisdom and strength.  In Jesus’ name, amen.