Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14

[13] Enter ye in  at  the strait  gate:  for  wide  is the gate,  and  broad  is the way,  that leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many  which  go in  thereat:  [14] Because  strait  is the gate,  and  narrow  is the way,  which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  that find  it. 

What does Matthew 7:13-14 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The Old Testament contains several references to diverging ways that force the traveler to choose between two paths (e.g, Deuteronomy 30:15; Deuteronomy 30:19; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 21:8). The AV translation "straight" is a bit misleading. That translation reflected the Latin strictum meaning narrow, and it probably contributed to the common idea of "the straight and narrow." However the Greek word stene clearly means narrow as contrasted with broad. The word "small" ( Matthew 7:14, Gr. tethlimmene) relates closely to the Greek word thlipsis meaning tribulation. Thus Jesus was saying that the narrow restricting gate has connections with persecution, a major theme in Matthew"s Gospel (cf. Matthew 5:10-12; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 10:16-39; Matthew 11:11-12; Matthew 24:4-13; Acts 14:22). [1]
The narrow road leads to life, namely, life in the kingdom (cf. Matthew 7:21-22). The broad road leads to destruction, namely, death and hell (cf. Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:46; John 17:12; Romans 9:22 : Philippians 1:28; Philippians 3:19; 1 Timothy 6:9; Hebrews 10:39; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Peter 2:3; 2 Peter 3:16; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 17:11). Few will enter the kingdom compared with the many who will perish. Jesus clearly did not believe in the doctrine of universalism that is growing in popularity today, the belief that everyone will eventually end up in heaven (cf. John 14:6). Entrance through the narrow gate onto the narrow way will eventually lead a person into the kingdom. The beginning of a life of discipleship (the gate) and the process of discipleship (the way) are both restrictive and both involve persecution.
"Gate is mentioned for the benefit of those who were not true followers; way is mentioned as a definition of the life of the disciples of Jesus. This is why Matthew uses the word "gate" (pule) while Luke employs the word "door" (thura, Luke 13:24). Luke is concerned primarily with salvation. Here the King desires subjects for His kingdom, so He uses a word which implies a path is to be followed after entrance into life." [2]
Only a few people would find the way to life ( Matthew 7:14). As we noted earlier, Israel"s leaders were lethargic about seeking the Messiah ( Matthew 2:7-8). Many of the Jews were evidently not seeking the kingdom either.