Matthew 7:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is because it comforts its practitioners not only with the knowledge that all their efforts will eventually conclude but also that the ends of their sacrifices lead to everlasting life. Therefore, the brief duration of labor, the eternal nature of rewards, and the order in which labor precedes reward—these provide immense consolation in our struggles. That is why Paul termed our sufferings as light—not due to the sufferings themselves, but owing to the resolve of the ascetics and the hope for what is to come. He indicated that the lightness of our challenges produces an eternal glory far beyond sight, as he said, ‘For the light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).’ If skilled sailors find waves and depths manageable, and if warriors endure defeats and wounds, while farmers persevere through harsh weather, and fighters withstand severe blows—all of this is bearable with the anticipation of temporary, earthly rewards. How much more should the present trials feel trivial when they lead to heavenly, indescribable blessings and immortal rewards! If some still view the path to life as arduous, it stems simply from their own complacency. Notice how the Savior speaks in another manner to make this path more accessible when He advises against casting pearls before swine and warns to be wary of false prophets—encouraging vigilance at all times. The very term ‘narrow way’ serves to alert us, urging us to be watchful. Just as Paul points out that ‘Our struggle is not against flesh and blood’ (Ephesians 6:12) not to induce despair but to ignite the spirits of soldiers, the Lord describes the path to life as challenging to awaken the travelers from their slumber. Furthermore, He emphasizes the presence of obstacles along the way, noting that many hindrances are not overt but covert, as is the case with false prophets. Christ urges us not to fixate on the narrowness and difficulty of the path but to consider its destination. He also points out that the opposite path is wide and comfortable, yet leads to destruction. All these exhortations are to invigorate us. For the same reason, He remarked that the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). The devout feel more compelled when they recognize that the ascetic’s endeavors are honored. Hence, let us not despair when we face numerous adversities in life. Although the road may be harsh and the gates narrow, the end is one of joy. Thus, we should not anticipate solace here and should expect no sorrow there. When the Savior mentions the few who find it, He again highlights the laziness of the majority, urging His listeners to focus not on the success of the many, but on the efforts of the few. Indeed, He says that many do not only shun the difficult path, but they also do not even consider it, revealing their utter foolishness. We must thus avoid dwelling on the many and feeling disheartened; instead, we should aspire to join the few, firmly committing ourselves to walk that path. Additionally, the narrowness of this pathway is further obstructed by numerous individuals who impede its course.

‘...narrow is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life’ (Matthew 7:14). And it is rightly described as ‘narrow.’ When we must account for our words, thoughts, deeds, and all matters, this indeed makes the journey tight. We can make it even narrower through carelessness and inattention. The narrow path is challenging for everyone, especially for those weighed down by excess; however, those who diligently pursue discipline do not even perceive the constraint—those who have learned to restrict themselves will not complain about tightness. Therefore, let no one expect to see the kingdom of heaven while indulging in comfort—it is simply impossible! In indulgence, no one should anticipate traveling the narrow way; that too is unfeasible! Let no one on the broad path hope to attain life. If you observe someone indulging in lavish baths, extravagant feasts, or many servants, do not mourn for your lack of these luxuries; rather, feel compassion for them, for they tread the path to destruction. What value is there in a path that culminates in sorrow? Conversely, what detriment is there in the narrowness that leads to rest? Consider this: if someone, invited to royal chambers, traversed narrow and treacherous passages, while another, condemned to death, was dragged through the open square, whom would we deem fortunate, and whom would we pity? Surely it would be the one on the broad path! Thus, in our current situation, let us celebrate not those who dwell in luxury but those who abstain from such excess. The latter hasten towards heaven, while the former head towards destruction.

This is why the sermon has its foundation in the message about those who are humble and gentle in spirit, indicating that a good yoke and a light burden are often scorned by the majority, while only a few embrace them; however, it is by means of this yoke that the path to life remains narrow, as is the gate through which one enters.

These two forces—lust and irritability—once detached from the mind’s true power, begin to employ all five of our senses as willing servants to engage in obvious transgressions. The result of this is sin and moral failures. When the intellect does not govern and discipline the senses, the eyes wander curiously, the ears crave idle chatter, the sense of smell is indulged, the mouth becomes insatiable, and the hands reach for prohibited things. This leads to unrighteousness replacing truth, folly taking the place of wisdom, immorality instead of chastity, and cowardice instead of bravery. The four cardinal virtues—truth, wisdom, chastity, and courage—are such that when they are robust and vibrant within the soul, they skillfully guide its three components. When these components are well-governed, they prevent the emotions from being swayed by trivial matters. In this state of tranquility, with the other powers under divine control and in submission, the mind is well-equipped for spiritual warfare. However, if through carelessness it allows confusion to mingle with other forces, it may fall prey to the cunning of the evil one, leading to the violation of Divine ordinances. Such violations necessitate repentance or anguish in the age to come. Therefore, it is indeed vital for the mind to remain vigilant; for by doing so, and by grounding itself in its natural state, it serves as a true guardian of the Divine commandments.

Who could reopen them but the Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Life-Giver, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord and God Jesus Christ? He manifested in the flesh, vanquished sin's lethal power through His death, and shattered the gates of hell by His divine resurrection. Through His sacred blood, He purified the hearts of believers from sin’s corruption, offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. As the eternal Intercessor and High Priest, He entered the very presence of God, so that He might advocate on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). He opened the gates of the Heavenly Kingdom for everyone, clearly demonstrating the pathway to eternal life through His exemplary holy life. Those gates are forever open, and no force from hell can close them for us, provided we steadfastly adhere to His commandments and earnestly commit ourselves to the path of the saints (Hebrews 9:8), following the guidance of our eternal Shepherd.

This gate, through which the merciful Lord Jesus beckons us to embrace eternal life, is narrow. Just as one must shed extraneous garments to fit through a tight space, we too must let go of our old sinful selves (Eph. 4:22) and actively strive against the passions and sinful tendencies ingrained in our fallen nature. "Strive to enter through the narrow gate," our Saviour advises (Luke 13:24). Departing from a sinful life and earnestly pursuing holiness, righteousness, and virtue in accordance with the Gospel’s commandments are essential for our salvation. Indeed, the very salvation, which was secured for us through the blood of Jesus Christ, reveals that the Almighty, in His infinite humanity, has opened pathways, shown us wondrous opportunities, and bestowed upon us the cleansing grace necessary to transform from sinners into saints, enabling us to inherit the Heavenly Kingdom. The grace of God has been made manifest, as St. Paul declares. He admonishes us to renounce ungodliness and worldly desires and to live righteously, piously, and godly in our present age, eagerly anticipating the blessed hope and glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for us to rescue us from all iniquity and purify for Himself a treasured people, passionate for good deeds (Titus 2:11-14). His divine power, essential for life and godliness, is granted through the knowledge of Him who has summoned us according to His glory and virtue. Thus, we have received a magnificent promise: that we may share in the Divine nature, having escaped the corruptive desires of the world (2 Pet. 1:3-4), as stated by St. Peter.

Nothing impure will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Rev. 21:27), according to the unwavering word of the Lord. Those who have maintained the purity and innocence bestowed upon every Christian at baptism through faithful observance of His commandments will gain access, or those who have destroyed this invaluable grace through sin but have reclaimed it through genuine repentance and sincere efforts to align their lives with the Lord’s precepts. There is no alternative entrance or pathway to eternal life; the Lord Jesus, our guide to Heaven, has charted for us a course characterized by humility, effort, patience—the way of the Cross, the sole path of the saints. The gate is narrow, and the path is constricted that leads to life, and few choose to walk it. The broad gate and easy path symbolize the way of sinners who live contrary to the spirit and teachings of the Gospel, indulging rather in the desires of their corrupted nature, the ways of this world, which lies in evil (1 John 5:19), and the deceptions of our souls' enemy, the adversary of our salvation. These gates are wide; those who traverse them fail to undertake the necessary efforts to conquer their sinful passions or to cleanse their souls through fasting, prayer, repentance, and adherence to God’s commandments, instead yielding carelessly to their lusts. The broad path accommodates those who indulge in luxury, excess, and pleasures without concern for their spiritual well-being. The deceiver employs every stratagem to keep them ensnared, presenting them with enticing desires of the flesh, vanity, and worldly pride (1 John 2:16). However, these wide gates and the broad path lead only to inevitable ruin, as declared by the eternal Truth itself.

With deep compassion, our Saviour observes many caught upon the path of destruction while few discover the narrow road to salvation and life. He sees them, and with boundless patience, awaits their repentance. He warns His faithful to avoid emulating the multitude of the lost, even as they appear numerous. This caution is vital; nothing sways hearts more effectively—especially those inclined toward a Christian life but yet to establish unwavering faith—than the enticing allure of the crowd’s example. The deceiver often succeeds in destabilizing our resolve to turn to God and pursue a virtuous life by pointing to the throngs who wander the easy pathway to destruction, attempting to make the narrow road of salvation, opened through Jesus Christ, appear insurmountable to us, casting the life of truly pious and virtuous Christians as one merely marked by sorrow, despair, and continued hardship. In contrast, true joy and prosperity on earth belong to the virtuous and the saints who diligently uphold the Lord's commandments. The Saviour calls out, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Hearken to the compassionate voice of boundless love, as our Redeemer Himself bears the divine task of our salvation, making our toil in pursuing a virtuous and godly life more manageable. He carries our sins so that the weight of His saving commandments may be lightened for us. Can the heart of His infinite mercy impose heavy demands? His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3), states His disciple John. Why do many find them heavy? Because we oftentimes refuse to learn humility and meekness directly from Him. Because, when we feel the weight of our sins, we fail to approach Him with broken spirits to shed the heavy yoke of sin at His cross. In summary, we do not love Him as we ought if we desire to find salvation and life through Him. If we truly love Him with all our hearts, then following Him becomes easier, and the trials of the path of the cross will seem light. And what do momentary sorrows and struggles matter in comparison to the promise of eternal joy and glory that our Lord Jesus has faithfully assured us? Is it fitting for a soldier of the earthly King to falter amid the challenges of battle when victory is certain? Beloved brothers, soldiers of Christ, it is far better to perish in the throes of heroic effort toward eternal life and honor than to languish carelessly, neglecting the salvation of our souls along the path to ruin.

The Lord cautions us against this wider path by noting, "Because the gate is wide and the way of sinful life is broad," and these paths lead toward destruction, bondage to harmful passions, and eternal damnation, with many choosing to walk this road. Numerous individuals live without concern, committing sins freely, and, in misleading their own weakened consciences, they assert, "We are not alone—everyone lives like this!" The people who existed before the flood similarly justified their actions, and all, except for the righteous household of Noah, fell into sin and perished in the waters. Likewise, the inhabitants of Sodom were all guilty, aside from Lot, and were consumed by divine fire. The presence of unrepentant sinners among us signals the impending judgment of God, and should the Lord extend His patience, it is undoubtedly due to the existence of a few righteous individuals known only to Him, upon whom God’s mercy rests for the sake of the sinners.

The broad gate and wide path represent sinful living, which culminates in spiritual death, and many individuals tread this route because sin heavily entices those indifferent to their salvation. In contrast, the narrow gate and restricted path symbolize a righteous way of life that leads to eternal existence; however, few choose this path due to its accompanying challenges and trials, including both voluntary and involuntary temptations. The terms wide and spacious are synonymous, while narrow and cramped indicate a significant degree of constriction—so much so that travelers must squeeze on both sides. Any deviation from this path can lead to danger, much like walking on a precarious bridge, where any misstep risks falling into the waters below. Consequently, those who wish to enter through this narrow way must be vigilant against straying or being led astray from God’s commandments, as it is stated: “Thou shalt not turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deut. 17:11).