Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it." — Matthew 7:13-14 (ASV)

For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Do not try to go with the majority; truth is usually with the minority. Do not count heads, and say, "I am for that which has the most on its side;" but prefer that which is least liked among men, choose that which is most difficult, most trying to flesh and blood, that which gives you least license, because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

You will not hit upon it, then, in a "happy-go-lucky" sort of style. Heaven's gate is not found open by accident; there never was anybody yet who was saved by accident.

No: few there be that find it, is still true. God grant that we may be among the few! And why should we not be?

Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there are which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there are that find it.

Do not be ashamed of being called narrow. Do not be ashamed of being supposed to lead a life of great precision and exactness.

There is nothing very grand about breadth, after all. And I have noticed one thing: the broadest men I have ever met in the best sense have always kept to the narrow way, and the narrowest people I know are those who are so fond of the broad way.

I could indicate some literature which professes to be exceedingly liberal; it is liberal indeed in finding fault with everybody who holds the gospel, but its tone is bitterness itself towards all the orthodox. Wormwood and gall are honey compared with what the liberal people generally pour out upon those who keep close to the truth.

I prefer to cultivate a broad spirit to a narrow heart, and then to talk about the breadth of the way.

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

It is a way of self-denial, it is a way of humility, it is a way which is distasteful to the natural pride of people; it is a precise way, it is a holy way, a strait way, and therefore people do not care for it.

They are too big, too proud, to go along a narrow lane to heaven; yet this is the right way. There are many broad ways, as Bunyan says, that adjoin it; but you may know them by their being broad, and you may know them by their being crowded. The Christian has to swim against the current; he has to do more than that, he has to go against himself, so strait is the road; but if you wish to go down to perdition, you only have to float with the stream, and you can have as much company as you like.

Get up and be on your journey. Enter at the gate at the beginning of the way and do not stand hesitating. If it is the right road, you will find the entrance somewhat difficult and extremely narrow, for it demands self-denial and calls for strictness of obedience, and spiritual watchfulness. Nevertheless, Enter you in at the strait gate.

Whatever its drawbacks of few pilgrims or narrowness of entrance, yet choose it and use it. True, there is another road, broad and much frequented, but it leads to destruction. People go to ruin along the main road, but the way to heaven is a narrow path. Other days may come when many will crowd the narrow way, but at this time, to be popular one must be broad—broad in doctrine, in morals, and in spiritual matters. But those on the strait road will go straight to glory, and those on the broad road will all go astray.

All is well that ends well. We can afford to be restricted in the right way rather than enlarged in the wrong way, because the first ends in endless life, and the second hastens down to everlasting death. Lord, deliver me from the temptation to be “broad,” and keep me in the narrow way, though few find it!

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Be up and on your journey. Enter in at the gate at the head of the way, and do not stand hesitating. If it is the right road, you will find the entrance somewhat difficult, and exceedingly narrow; for it demands self-denial, and calls for strictness of obedience, and watchfulness of spirit. Nevertheless, Enter ye in at the strait gate.

Whatever its drawbacks of a small number of pilgrims, or straitness of entrance, yet choose it and use it. True, there is another road, broad and much frequented; but it leads to destruction. Men go to ruin along the turnpike road, but the way to heaven is a bridle-path.

There may come other days, when the many will crowd the narrow way; but, at this time, to be popular, the road must be broad—broad in doctrine, in morals, and in spiritual matters. But those on the strait road shall go straight to glory, and those on the broad road are all abroad.

All is well that ends well: we can afford to be straitened in the right way rather than enlarged in the wrong way; because the first ends in endless life, and the second hastens down to everlasting death. Lord, deliver me from the temptation to be "broad," and keep me in the narrow way, though few find it!