“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:14 (NIV)
Have you ever read that verse and paused?
I have. In fact, I’ve wrestled with it more times than I can count.
Jesus didn’t say the narrow road was a little tricky. He said only a few find it. That’s sobering. It makes me stop and ask: why is the path to life so hard to find? And once we do find it, why does it feel so hard to stay on it?
Let’s talk about that.
1. The Broad Way Is Easier—and Popular
Let’s be honest. The broad road—the one everyone else seems to be on—just looks easier. It doesn’t require dying to self. It doesn’t call for obedience or submission. It offers comfort, convenience, and constant affirmation.
But Jesus never sugar-coated the cost of following Him. In fact, He often did the opposite. He said things that made people walk away. Why? Because truth confronts us. It calls us to live differently. The broad way appeals to our flesh. The narrow way crucifies it.
And in today’s world where the highest value seems to be “do what feels right for you,” the idea of a narrow road feels offensive—even oppressive. But the truth is, it’s not oppression—it’s love. God’s love gently fences us in, not to confine us, but to protect us and lead us into real life.
2. The Narrow Way Is Counter-Cultural
The narrow way asks us to forgive when we want to hold a grudge.
It asks us to love our enemies, serve those who can’t pay us back, turn the other cheek, stay faithful when it would be easier to leave, and speak truth even when it’s unpopular.
That’s not what the world teaches. And that’s exactly why it’s hard.
But Jesus didn’t call us to blend in. He called us to follow Him.
Following means someone else is leading. And Jesus leads us away from self-focus, away from pride, and toward the cross—His, and ours.
3. It’s Not Hidden—But It Is Revealed Through the Heart
Jesus didn’t say the narrow gate was invisible. He said few find it. So it’s not that it can’t be seen—it’s that not everyone is looking.
Many are looking for success, pleasure, or spiritual experiences, but not necessarily for surrender. The narrow way can only be found by the heart that is ready to let go of everything else. It’s for the one who comes to Jesus and says, “Not my will, but Yours.”
It’s not about perfection—but direction. A heart turned toward Him, willing to walk by faith even when the path is steep and lonely.
4. We Don’t Walk It Alone
Here’s the beautiful part: though the path is narrow, we never walk it alone.
Jesus walks with us.
He strengthens us when we’re weak. He picks us up when we fall. He forgives, restores, and reminds us that this path—no matter how difficult—is leading to life.
It’s not crowded, and it’s not always comfortable, but it is holy. And it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this and wondering, Am I on the narrow path?—don’t be afraid. Jesus doesn’t play hide-and-seek with your salvation. He’s not asking for perfection. He’s looking for surrender.
If your heart longs to follow Him—even when it’s hard—that’s a sign you’re already on it.
So keep walking. One faithful step at a time.
The narrow road may be hard—but it leads home.
