Matthew 7:13,14 - The two gates (2023)

Matthew 7:13,14 - The two gates (1).

One of the most amazing teachings of Jesus is his teaching about the two doors. It is surprising because few have really understood its true meaning. People who attend any type of church generally believe that the wide gate is reserved for the wicked and those who are not interested in serving God. Let's look at what Jesus taught about these two gates in Matthew 7:13-14.

Matthew 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many are those who pass through it; 14 For strait is the gate, and narrow the road that leads to life, and few are those who find it.

the narrow gate

See the narrow gate and the narrow path. What do we know about this gate?

First, Jesus says that he is the door that leads to life. This obviously means that it is the gate that leads people to heaven.

Second, Jesus says that it is a "narrow" gate. The word "narrow" means difficult. Jesus tells us that going to heaven will not be easy. This surprises most people because they have been taught that the road to heaven is easy. They were taught, "All you have to do to be saved is believe in Jesus."
Difference between what people teach today and what Jesus taught then.

Third, Jesus tells us that not many people enter through this narrow gate and narrow path. He says: "Few find it." that is also a surprise
many people because they believe that most people will be saved because most people believe in God.

Jesus told us three things about the narrow gate.

1. It is the door that leads to heaven.

2. It is difficult to enter.

(Video) The Wide and Narrow Gate || Matthew 7:13-14 || 2BeLikeChrist

3. Not many people will enter through the narrow gate.

So far we have had no trouble understanding what Jesus said. While it may not be consistent with what many have been taught and believe, it is clear and easy to understand.

Let's imagine for a moment that there is a sign above the narrow door. What would that say? He would obviously say, "To heaven." That would mean that because those
those who enter know the truth and have heaven as their goal. However, do you remember that Jesus says that few will find it and enter it? Why this? Do you have an answer to this question? Who are the ones who find and walk the narrow way? Think seriously about this question as we reflect on who Jesus is
He taught us about the wide gate.

the wide gate

Now look at the wide door. Jesus also tells us something about it.

First, it is a "wide" door. It is a door that is easy to see. Maybe it's attractive. It definitely attracts people.

Second, Jesus tells us that this door is the entrance to a spacious road. Some translations say that it is the "easier way".

That means that it is not difficult to enter through this gate or walk the path that leads.

Third, Jesus tells us that it is a gate that leads to destruction or hell. Those who enter through this door are doomed to destruction.

Fourth, Jesus told us that there will be "many" who will enter through this door. Remember, few will enter Heaven's narrow gate, but many will enter Hell's gate. Many! Why this? Do you want to go to eternal punishment? Is that what people want? This question also deserves serious consideration.

Let's recap what Jesus said about the wide gate and the broad road.

(Video) The Decision Between Two Ways - Matthew 7:13-14

1. It is a wide gate.

2. There is an easier way to do it.

3. It is the door that leads to hell.

4. There will be many people entering through the wide gate.

Most people see this as the way of the world, the way of those who don't try to serve Jesus. It is commonly taught that sinners and those who do not love God and the "unchurched" are the ones who enter through this door. We are told that they live a "simple" life, so we must understand that they are taking the broad road. Why would someone walk through this door? Surely you would not choose to enter through this door.

Let's use our imagination again and ask ourselves:

"What does the sign say about the wide and spacious gate?"

What do you think?

Most people answer this question by saying that the sign above the wide door would say "To Hell." It is true that those who enter through this door will go to hell, but would the sign say so?

NO! The sign above the wide door says: "To heaven!"

It is a sign of a lie. It is a signal that gives wrong instructions. Think about it for a moment. The people who go through the wide gate and the broad road truly believe that they will end up in heaven. Test Yourself Read what Jesus says in the next verse.

(Video) The Only Road to Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14)

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are ravenous wolves.

"BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS..."

False prophets! Those people who go through the wide gate and the broad way think they are going to heaven! They follow men who claim to be men of God. They follow men who say they will show them the way to heaven! However, they are following false prophets! You know what the really sad part is? Many are sincere in their beliefs. They don't want to follow a false prophet. In fact, even some of the false prophets can be sincere.

However, notice what Jesus will be told on judgment day in Matthew 7:22.

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me on that day: Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? and cast out demons in your name? and done many wonderful works in your name?

See what their claims mean!

1. They called Jesus their Lord!

2. They prophesied (taught the Word of God) on the authority of Jesus.

3. They claimed to have cast out demons with the authority of Jesus.

4. They did many wonderful works by the authority of Jesus!

Those are pretty good references, and if we come across someone making those claims today, we'll probably be impressed! Most people would consider her saved.

(Video) The Only Road To Heaven - John MacArthur (Matthew 7:13-14) [CC]

Finally, look what they do! They call Jesus their Lord, they preach and teach, they cast out demons, and they do many other works that man considers great works.

But look at Jesus' evaluation. Jesus says to the false prophets and those who follow them:

Matthew 7:23 "And then I will say to them: I never knew you: Depart from me, you evildoers."

These religious people with such great credentials need to get away from the presence of Jesus and God. You must go to hell. Why this? Why would Jesus say to people who call him Lord, who preach, who claim to cast out demons, and who do great works for humanity, that he never knew them?

Despite their claims, they are not Christians and will not go to heaven. Look at verse 21. He tells you why!

Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

What is the meaning of Jesus? Simply. Contrary to popular belief, saying that you are a Christian, even though you believe it, is not all that God requires of us. Jesus says we must do the will
God.

We not only have to believe in God, we also have to believe in God! We must believe in God enough to do his will.

This is the problem with the teachings of many who are false prophets and teachers today. They tell people that all you have to do is believe in Jesus to be saved. They say we are saved "by faith alone." This is a false teaching. God never said that, but humans teach. In fact, we have seen that Jesus said the exact opposite.

Jesus clearly warns the man not to enter through the wide gate. He proclaims that the wide gate leads people to hell. The other door is the one that leads to men
Paradise.

What door are you going through? The decision, the choice is yours. Will you believe in humans or in Jesus? Do not be fooled by the false teachers who lead people to the wide gate and the easy way. Remember the words of Jesus:

(Video) Matthew 7:13-14: The Narrow Gate Vs. The Broad Road, By Mike Bickle

Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

FAQs

What are the two gates in the Bible? ›

Beginning in Matthew 7:13, Jesus tells us that there are two gates, or two paths that we can follow as we live our lives. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

What is the insight of Matthew 7 13-14? ›

Saving faith binds us to Jesus in love and obedience. Saving faith instills in us a deep appreciation for the sacrifice that God made by sending us His Son and that God continues to make by sending us His Spirit. In short, saving faith ushers us into God's kingdom and makes us appropriate citizens of that realm.

What does the two path represents in your life? ›

Answer: The two roads symbolize the choices that one has to make in life. It is very important to make the right choice because we can never retrace our path and go back. One road would lead on to another and there is no coming back.

What do the gates signify? ›

The gate is an entryway into an unknown place, or a place of great significance; it is a threshold, and may connect the living and the dead. They are normally guarded by symbolic animals: the LION, DRAGON, BULL, and DOG are often depicted in conjunction with the gate.

What does the gates represent in the Bible? ›

'Gates' in biblical Israel weren't just a doorway into the city. They were where prophets cried out and kings judged, and people met, like in the ancient city of Dan.

What gate did Jesus enter through? ›

Coming down from the Mount of Olives, Jesus must have entered the city through its eastern gate, the Golden Gate.

What is the meaning of Matt 7 14? ›

The metaphor in this verse implies that the path of sin is an easy one to follow, and that one will do so without conscious effort not to. Davies and Allison note that the notion of vice being a far easier path than virtue is a common one to most religions.

What does it mean that the disciples hearts were hardened? ›

Mark uses the language 'hardness of heart' which was applied to the Jewish religious leaders with a hostile meaning (3:5; 10:5), in order to indicate the disciples' faithlessness (6:52; 8:17-18).

What does it mean to strive to enter in at the strait gate? ›

BY "striving" to enter in at the strait gate, is meant in general, exerting ourselves with vigour, or using our earnest endeavours to that end; to obtain the salvation of our souls, or finally to gain admission into the kingdom of heaven. This is the proper notion and idea of striving.

What are the 2 types of paths? ›

A path is either relative or absolute. An absolute path always contains the root element and the complete directory list required to locate the file.

What is the difference between the narrow gate and wide 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.” Jesus makes it clear that we all stand at a spiritual crossroads, and there are two paths in front of us.

What are the two roads of life? ›

A: There are two roads of life, the world's path and God's path. Imagine a very wide road with people all walking in the same direction. In the center of that road is a narrow path that goes in the opposite direction -- it can be a lonely road -- but it's the right road. Jesus plainly pointed out these two roads.

What are the gates in Christianity? ›

Pearly gates is an informal name for the gateway to Heaven according to some Christian denominations. It is inspired by the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:21: "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate being made from a single pearl."

How many gates do we have in the Bible? ›

The “Twelve Gates” have their origin in folklore, mythology and scripture. In the Book of Revelations (Revelation 21:12), there is reference to the twelve gates, each of which represents a different passageway to heaven.

How is Jesus the gate? ›

Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

What are Spirit gates? ›

Genesis 28:16-17. Greetings! Spiritual gates are passageways to enter through or to go out from destinations. There are gates that are portals into the body, mind, soul and spirit of individuals. There are gates that control entrance into and egress from the systems of this world.

Is the sheep gate the same as the Lions gate? ›

English: The Lions' Gate (Hebrew: שער האריות), also St. Stephen's Gate or Sheep Gate) is located in the Old City Walls of Jerusalem and is one of seven Gates in Jerusalem's Old City Walls.

Why are there 12 gates to the New Jerusalem? ›

The number symbolizes completeness in Revelation. The four sides of the New City represent the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West.) In this way, New Jerusalem is thought of as an inclusive place, with the 12 gates accepting all of the 12 tribes of Israel from all corners of the earth.

What is the beautiful gate in the Bible? ›

According to the New Testament, the Beautiful Gate was one of the gates belonging to the Temple in Jerusalem prior to its destruction by the Romans in AD 70. It was referred to as "beautiful" in chapter 3 of the Acts of the Apostles.

What does 7 13 mean in the Bible? ›

The World English Bible translates the passage as: Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the. way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.

What is Matthew 7 13 about? ›

Chapter Summary

Jesus commands His hearers not to pronounce shallow or hypocritical judgment. He describes God as a generous Father eager to give good things to His children when they ask. He commands His followers to enter the narrow gate and walk the hard road to life.

What does Matthew 7 13 23 mean? ›

We must take the narrow road and we must point people to the narrow road. It may be narrow and hard to take, but it is open and it is open to all, and it leads to life! This is what Jesus has been telling us all along in Matthew. The ways of God are not like the ways of this world, but they're so much better!

What are the seven signs of a hardened heart? ›

We know the disease, but we don't recognize the symptoms.
...
Seven Symptoms of a Prideful Heart
  • Fear. ...
  • Entitlement. ...
  • Ingratitude. ...
  • People-Pleasing. ...
  • Prayerlessness. ...
  • Hypocrisy. ...
  • Rebellion.
Oct 16, 2017

What causes a hardened heart? ›

Normal aging, conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes, or even physical trauma to the chest can trigger heart calcification—but the exact hardening mechanism is still largely unknown.

Can a Christian's heart become hardened? ›

Your heart may be a little hard, but Christ can re-sensitize your conscience and He can soften your heart. The hardening of one's heart can happen to anyone. Every time you hear the gospel, every time you hear God's offer of forgiveness and you reject it, your heart gets a little harder.

What does strait the gait mean? ›

tight, difficult. This is a biblical allusion to. the saying, “Strait is the gate. and narrow the way that. leads to eternal life.”

What do the gates of Jerusalem mean? ›

On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.” Revelation 21:12. This verse is referencing the city of the New Jerusalem or Heaven. It gives us insight to how many gates there are leading into Heaven — 12. Each gate representing one of the tribes of Israel.

What is the difference between ways and paths? ›

One difference is that “way” can describe more than one connected road or path. But we use “path” to describe just one singular road or route. An example of this is: Can you tell me the way to the beach?

How do you stay on the straight and narrow path? ›

The Lord instructed His children to keep on the straight and narrow way by learning the word of God, by studying the scriptures, and applying His word by praying daily and serving their fellowmen.

How many different types of gates are there? ›

Complete answer: There are three types of gates: universal gates, primary gates and secondary gates. The universal gates include NOR gate and NAND gate. The primary or we can say the main gates are NOT gates, AND gates, OR gates.

What was the narrow gate in Jerusalem? ›

The "Eye of the Needle" was indeed a narrow gateway into Jerusalem. Since camels were heavily loaded with goods and riders, they would need to be un-loaded in order to pass through. Therefore, the analogy is that a rich man would have to similarly unload his material possessions in order to enter heaven.

What might the two roads represent or symbolize? ›

The two roads that the poet-traveller faces in his walk or journey are symbolic of the choices that we have to encounter in our life.

What does the Bible say about two roads? ›

The other road is narrow and unpopular. This is why Jesus said, "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. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

What is the summary of two roads? ›

A boy discovers his Native American heritage in this Depression-era tale of identity and friendship by the author of Code Talker It's 1932, and twelve-year-old Cal Black and his Pop have been riding the rails for years after losing their farm in the Great Depression.

How many gates are there in the Bible? ›

The “Twelve Gates” have their origin in folklore, mythology and scripture. In the Book of Revelations (Revelation 21:12), there is reference to the twelve gates, each of which represents a different passageway to heaven.

What are the gates in the wall of Jerusalem? ›

The seven gates at the time of Suleiman were: Damascus Gate; Golden Gate; Herod's Gate; Jaffa Gate; Lions' Gate; Silwan Gate (also known as Mughrabi Gate, and now as Dung Gate); and Zion Gate.

What is the north gate in the Bible? ›

In Ezekiel's second vision he is brought to the Jerusalem temple “to the entrance of the gateway of the inner court that faces north, where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy” (Ezek 8:3).

What does it mean to enter God's gates? ›

In Psalm 100:4, we are told to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” When we come to God, we have so many reasons to thank Him. Jesus is the greatest of all these reasons. Bringing thankfulness and praise to God is a way to worship Him.

Who guards the gates of heaven? ›

The gates of heaven are said to be guarded by Saint Peter, one of the founders of the Christian Church.

What are the 12 gates in New Jerusalem? ›

On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west (Revelation 21:12-13). The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each gate was made from a single pearl (Revelation 21:21a).

How many gates did the wall of Jerusalem have? ›

Jerusalem's Old City walls, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, have eight gates. All but one (the Gate of Mercy) still serve Jerusalemites and visitors streaming to its markets, and sacred and historic sites.

How many gates did the Temple of Jerusalem have? ›

The Temple Mount, a holy site in the Old City of Jerusalem, also known as the al-Ḥaram al-Sharīf and the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, contains twelve gates. One of the gates, Bab as-Sarai, is currently closed to the public but was open under Ottoman rule. There are also six other sealed gates.

What did the walls of Jerusalem represent? ›

The walls were a protection, but they were also an important physical symbol of the establishment of the Jews as a people. The holy city became a unifying force as families were chosen by lot to come live in it (see Nehemiah 11:1–2).

What was the Beautiful Gate in the Bible? ›

According to the New Testament, the Beautiful Gate was one of the gates belonging to the Temple in Jerusalem prior to its destruction by the Romans in AD 70. It was referred to as "beautiful" in chapter 3 of the Acts of the Apostles.

Where are the gates of Eden located? ›

The location of Eden is described in the Book of Genesis as the source of four tributaries. Various suggestions have been made for its location: at the head of the Persian Gulf, in southern Mesopotamia (now Iraq) where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers run into the sea; and in Armenia.

Where is the gate to heaven? ›

The Gate to Heaven at the Tianmen Mountain of Zhangjiajie in Hunan, China. At the top of Tianmen Mountain in Hunan, China, there is a spectacular natural phenomenon. Over hundreds of years, soil and water erosion have slowly formed a 30-metre-wide arch in the rock face of the mountain.

Videos

1. Enter Through The Narrow Gate: Matthew 7:13-14 Explained
(Jesus Without Religion)
2. Matthew 7:13-14
(Begin in the Word)
3. Matthew 7:13-14 "The Two Gates" 03-04-2013
(MondayNightsLive)
4. Prophetic Joshua Holmes LIVE🔥🔥🔥2/14/23
(JHM TEACHINGS)
5. The Broad and Narrow Ways | Matthew 7:13-14 | Motivational & Inspirational video
(Just Jesus)
6. Matthew 7:13–14 Devotional
(Westminster Theological Seminary)
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