“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. 14 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).

This saying of Jesus regarding the two available paths or ways of life strikes a very ominous tone. The more popular option down which many travel or conduct their lives is wide or easy and leads to eternal destruction. The other option is narrow and hard, but leads to eternal life, and according to Jesus there are few who find it. The way that leads to life or entrance into the kingdom of heaven is the way of the disciple who follows Jesus. The gate into this way of life is narrow for it admits only those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God, and repent of their sins. This way is difficult for the righteousness it demands is often met with persecution (5:10-12). This was true in the days of Jesus’ first disciples, and will be so until He comes.

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2).