The Two Travelers Series

The Two Travelers

Matthew 7: 13-14

As we continue our study in the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a passage that all need to hear in our day. This is a passage that all can relate and understand. Here Jesus speaks of the way we are traveling and the course of life we are on. These are two courses with totally different directions and totally different destinations.

As we begin, I want us to consider the fundamental truth revealed in the verses we’ve read. Each of us travels on a journey through this life. Each day presents new challenges and choices. Each day we choose which path we will travel and those choices determine where we arrive at the end of the day.

This is true in many ways. There are particular places that we need to go each day and if we are to arrive where we need to be, we must choose the right path. If I am planning to go to Winston Salem, I need to take the right road and head in the right direction if I expect to arrive at my destination.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we are to end up in the right destination, we must choose the right path. This is where we must make a distinction. In a physical journey there are many roads going in the same general direction. There are different courses we could take and end up at the same destination. The spiritual path is not that way. There are only two paths we could travel and they end in vastly different destinations. Let’s take a few moments to consider the words of our Lord and the directions He gives as we think on: The Two Travelers.

I. The Clarity in the Command (13a) – Enter ye in at the strait gate. Jesus offers a simple command, but it is one that must be heeded. Notice:

A. The Participants – This is simple and yet profound. Jesus commands all who are listening to enter in at the strait gate. This would have included the disciples who followed Jesus, but it wasn’t reserved for them alone. This command was given to all.

Our Lord spoke these words thousands of years ago and yet they are relevant and applicable for today. Each of us is responsible to enter in at the strait gate. This is not a command reserved for a select few, but is given to all. He made provision on the cross of Calvary for the redemption of mankind and it is our responsibility to enter in at the strait gate. We are all on a journey headed somewhere.

B. The Portal (13a) – Enter ye in at the strait gate: Jesus defines the location we are to enter. I want to take a moment to consider the strait gate. It is not to be confused with the English word “straight” which means “not crooked or bent.” The word strait in the text means “narrow, difficult to be entered.” Not all gain access to this gate. It is a way that only those who are deemed righteous in the eyes of God can enter. This is only achieved through the righteousness of Jesus Christ being applied to one’s account through salvation in Him. There is only one strait gate that leads to life eternal, and there is only one means of access through it – the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. The Priority (Luke 13:24) – Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus said we are to strive to enter in at the strait gate. This is an interesting aspect. The word strive literally means “to contend or struggle, to endeavor with strenuous zeal.” It is the word from which we get our word “agonize.”

I don’t want anyone to misunderstand the text. This in no way implies that we can work earnestly enough to achieve salvation. Jesus is not emphasizing works, but commitment and priority. He reveals that our salvation ought to be something we earnestly seek. It is that important. In fact, it is the most important moment in our lives. We are responsible to enter at the strait gate!

II. The Reality in the Contrast (13b-14) – In these verses Jesus offers a stark contrast between the two ways. First let’s consider:

A. The Broad Way (13b) – for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Notice:

1. The Portal – for wide is the gate. The gate we are to strive for is strait, but Jesus also speaks of a wide gate. This is a gate without restriction or limitation. It is easily accessible by anyone. In fact, apart from the saving grace of Jesus Christ, all are on this path and will enter the wide gate. You don’t have to do a thing to enter the wide gate. By virtue of our fallen nature, all are on the broad way and headed toward the wide gate unless they come to Christ and reverse course.