Matthew 7:14 — “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way…”
Jesus is describing the entrance into and the walk of Streight and Narrow Way
“Strait is the gate” — strait means restricted, confined, or difficult to enter through. The gate is not broad enough for us to bring everything with us. Entrance requires repentance, faith, and submission to Christ. Jesus Himself identifies the true entrance: “I am the door” (John 10:9).
“Narrow is the way” — after entering the gate, there is a way to walk. The Christian life is not simply making a confession; it is continuing in the path of obedience and discipleship. Christ calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).
Notice the progression:
The Gate → The Way → Life
Christ brings us through the gate, and then we are called to walk in Him. The narrowness does not mean salvation is earned by human effort; it means the life of Christ cannot be mixed with every competing path, desire, doctrine, and allegiance.
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Matthew 7:14
The warning is especially powerful because Jesus says “few there be that find it.” The broad way is popular because it accommodates the desires of the traveler. The narrow way changes the traveler.
Key truth: The gate is narrow because there is only one entrance—Christ. The way is narrow because those who enter through Christ are called to follow Christ. And the destination is life because the One we follow is Life Himself.
Continue Studying Matthew Chapter 7
The teaching of the strait gate and narrow way is part of Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount. Throughout Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus teaches concerning righteousness, spiritual discernment, obedience to the Father's will, and the importance of building our lives upon His words.
To gain a fuller understanding of these teachings and the path that leads unto eternal life, continue reading our complete Bible study of Matthew Chapter 7.
