“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:12-14
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summed them all up in two: love God, and love your neighbor. This love fulfills the law. But, what are we to do in situations where we do not know just how to do that? How do we decide what it means to love our neighbor? A good rule is given here. As followers of Christ and children of God, we are to seek after the things of God. We are to like what God likes and hate what He hates. When in doubt, treat others as you (as a Christian) would want to be treated.
God does not deal with us as we deserve. Rather, He loves us and shows us grace and mercy. As His children, we are to be imitators of Him (Ephesians 5:1). We are to love our neighbors and show them grace and mercy.
Jesus came to call men out from the world and unto Himself. He came to establish the kingdom of God. This sermon has been His teaching on the character of the citizens of that kingdom. Now, at the end, He asks, “What will you do?” He admonishes his listeners, and us, to enter into this kingdom – to be His obedient servants and followers.
When we come to Christ, we come with a load of baggage. We come with our thoughts, our experiences, and our selves. Although the kingdom of God is expansive, the way of entering is narrow. We see here the picture of someone squeezing through a narrow gate with no excess baggage. We come into the kingdom of God naked and with empty hands.
The gospel of Jesus Christ requires a decision and a commitment Luke 14:25-33). We are new creations, and we have a new life. We are called to follow Christ and to obey. It is a narrow way. It is the only way.
