Sermon on the Mount - Two Gates

(Matthew 7:13-14)

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Categories: Sermon on the Mount, Sermon on the Mount (Bible Study)

As Jesus reaches the end of the Sermon, he lays out the choice facing the disciples – are they ready to follow his teachings, or not?
Jesus knows that some of his commands have been very challenging.
He knows that some of his examples go against all the norms of society.
And for their part, the disciples listen attentively while Jesus presents a whole new reality, a whole new way of thinking and acting.
It all seems so exciting, and they are, no doubt, enthusiastic.
But ultimately, the disciples are confronted by the notion that following Jesus is really about making choices, about choosing the right way.
This is going to work best if one simply imagines a path with a fork up ahead.
As the disciples walk along, they will come to that fork and, eventually, have to choose to go left or right.
They might contemplate the choice for a while, but eventually they will have to pick one.
They cannot stay still; they have to move one way or another.
Upon picking one, they will go on awhile longer, but soon, they will come to another fork where they will have to choose to go left or right again.
That choice will soon lead to another fork where another choice will have to be made, and so it goes on.
The first fork can be called “the two gates.”
Imagine walking down a path and seeing two gates.
These two gates, as described by Jesus, are vastly different in size.
One is very “broad,” meaning spacious or roomy.
Its openness suggests that entering will be easy and comfortable.
There are no requirements, nor restrictions.
Everyone is welcome, and many will happily go that way.
The majority are going to choose to go through the big opening.
It’s not wide for no reason; it’s wide because they need the room.
That’s where most of the people are heading.
In contrast to the really big gate, the other one is very narrow.
So, one gate is very spacious and alluring; the other is not.
The image of a gate probably brings to mind the familiar scene of the gate of a city by which travelers would enter.
The notion, therefore, of a gate for entry is not uncommon among Jewish people.
Nonetheless, everyone listening to Jesus will find him/herself at this point, and they will have to make a choice.
Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
Going through that big alluring gate is a choice that will lead to “destruction.”
The word means total and final ruin.
Going through the big gate is easy; heading off to the narrow gate is hard.
Jesus already knows that the majority of his listeners, as well as people in general, are probably not going to be in accord with the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and will choose to default to the wider gate.
“Everybody does it” is not something that will ever be said about the Sermon on the Mount.
A true disciple, however, chooses the narrow gate that leads to a way of obedience and ethics.
They are going to be part of a little flock, not a big herd.
The big herd went in through the other gate.
At the outset, this is going to be tough. But, again, this is not just a way of life, an option among many. It is t-h-e way of life.
It will mean going against the tides, going against popular opinion, going against the current trends.
Then Jesus adds, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
They have already been told that this gate is very small, and the path is very narrow.
It suggests that the disciples might have to leave things behind just to fit through it.
Earthly things come to mind, but it might also include elements of “self” – features like self-righteousness, selfishness, self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, etc.
Leaving such qualities behind allows one to get through the little opening.
And yes, going through the narrow gate is difficult, but it comes with a sense of freedom and purpose.
Through persecution, they will find joy.
A key phrase comes at the end: “and only a few find it.”
“Find” is an interesting verb.
It suggests that the disciples will have to do some looking.
To “find” something requires some effort.
This will be anything but easy.
But disciples have many reasons not to be discouraged because the effort will be worth it.
This little gate is the one that leads to “life” – eternal life.
This division is not between pagans or Christians, Jews or Gentiles.
The separating factor is whether one follows Jesus’ teachings or not.
In a sense, these two gates represent vastly different paths; one route will be easy, the other hard.
In other words, ignoring Jesus’ teachings is easy; following them is hard.
There are many metaphors from life that describe the joys of doing what is hard.
Those striving for excellence joyfully put in the effort.
Think of the renowned musician, or the accomplished athlete.
Perhaps it’s cooking, building, parenting. Every path has something to offer, to build upon.
Every profession boasts those that excel as well as those that just get by.
The disciples, therefore, can choose this gate with joy, with the promise of a great future.
Because in reality, the stakes are very high.
Jesus says one choice leads to “life;” the other leads to “total destruction.”
The text does not speak to how one knows in advance which gate will lead to which result.
Jesus simply says, “Enter through the narrow gate.”
What is needed is for the disciples to search their hearts and obey.
One gate seems attractive in the short term, but committed disciples will be looking at the long haul.
By definition discipleship is hard; in that sense, the choice of gate becomes self-evident.
The notion of gates, then, is a metaphor for discipleship, taking the easy or hard way.
OK, let’s assume the disciples have made the right decision.
Most people went through the big double doors; the disciples went through the smaller door on the side.
But soon, they will come to another fork in the road.
All the people standing at this fork are the disciples who found and entered through the narrow gate.
Now, there is another choice to make.

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