There are only two options! This week, Pastor Joaquin Pardo continued our (RE)FORMATION series with a message from Matthew 7, where Jesus presents a clear, powerful challenge!
Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
1) Two gates. Two paths.
Jesus makes it clear – there are only two options. One leads to destruction, the other to life. The gate stands at the beginning of the road, not at the end, meaning that this isn’t a choice simply between heaven or hell. This isn’t just about what happens after you die. This is about how you live while you’re still breathing. Jesus is saying the decision to follow Him, to walk through the narrow gate, starts now.
2)The wide gate leads to destruction.
The wide gate and easy road is popular, comfortable and convenient. It feels like freedom, but it’s a trap. It promises control, but it delivers bondage. It offers pleasure, but it leads to pain.
The Greek word apōleia (destruction) also means waste. Jesus isn’t just warning us about hell. He’s saying, don’t waste your life going the easy way that leads to waste, not just someday in eternity, but in wasted potential, wasted years, wasted peace, and wasted purpose.
3) The narrow gate leads to life.
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 isn’t just one of many options. He boldly says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus IS the gate! The narrow gate is hard because it’s offensive to our pride. It forces us to face hard truths about ourselves. However, at first glance, it seems too small. Too restrictive. Too much. But what looks limiting at the start actually leads to life.
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Jesus is true freedom. Not the kind the world offers. Not freedom to do whatever you want, but freedom from what once had you bound.
Freedom from sin.
Freedom from shame.
Freedom from guilt.
The narrow gate already cost Jesus everything but it leads to the life your soul is searching for.
