This study asks the question: What does it mean to enter in the narrow gate?

Let's turn for our first scripture to Luke 13:24 where Yahushua said...

Luke 13:24 - "Strive to enter in at the narrow gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Strive means to give great effort, whereas seek means to make an attempt with much less effort. Strive is Strong's greek #75 (agonizomai), and it means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize) figuratively (to contend with an adverstary)

So Yahushua commands us to strive to enter in.
But what about Yahushua telling us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light?

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Is this a contradiction? The burden and yoke that is hard is sin. Yahushua frees us from sin, but in order to be a true disciple of Yahushua, it does take great effort!

Let us now try to find a definition of entering in the narrow gate...

John 8:31-32 Then said Yahushua to those Jews which believed on him, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

As we progress in this study, we must remember the importance of keeping Yahushua's words. In the fourteenth chapter of Luke, Yahushua's ministry was very popular. Now if Yahushua wanted his ministry to continue to grow, he could have "smooth talked them". But instead, in Luke 14:25 Yahushua said...

Luke 14:25-27 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his stake, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."

What exactly did Yahushua mean when he said that in order to be his disciple we must hate our mother and father and wife and children, and even our own life? Surely he was not telling us to break the fifth commandment, which tells us that we must honor our father and mother. So what is it that he was saying? To understand the meaning of this, it is necessary to go to another place where Yahushua was speaking about the same subject...

Matthew 10:37 - He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

We can see here that the meaning of the word "hate" means to "love less". We are to love all non-believers less than we love Yahushua!! And we are to love our brothers and sisters in the faith, more than we love non-believing kin. For example....

Luke 9:61-62 And another also said, "Rabbi, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house." 62 And Yahushua said unto him, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of YHWH."

Yahushua is saying that the person who looks back is not worthy of the Kingdom of heaven. If we find ourselves in an unworthy situation, we need to repent and become an overcomer. For another example...

Matthew 8:19-20 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, "Rabbi, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." 20 And Yahushua saith unto him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath nowhere to lay his head."

What is Yahushua saying? He probably did not mean that in order to be his disciple, that we had to be without a place to sleep at night. But I do believe that we need to be of a "mind-set" that when the time comes, we must be ready to give it all up for His sake, and that of the glad tidings. Yahushua knew the heart of this scribe who said, "I will follow you where ever you go" Yahushua was letting him know that he would have to "give it all up" in order to be his disciple.

again...

Matthew 8:21-22 And another of his disciples said unto him, "My master, suffer me first to go and bury my father." 22 But Yahushua said unto him, "Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."

But what are the practical applications of this, how do we carry out these commandments in our lives?

Matthew 4:18-20 And Yahushua, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Kepha, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

 Mark 1:19-20 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

We can see here that when these disciples were called, they immediately followed.

And again...

Mark 2:14 - And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.

Notice how none of these said anything like, "I will follow you, but first let me go (and take care of anything of this world)"

Going back to Matthew chapter 10, Yahushua said....

Matthew 10:34-36 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

Just what did Yahushua mean by this, and what are those who want to be his followers to do, when this comes to pass? For it will surely come to pass in the life of all who accept the truth!

Yahushua said in Luke...

Luke 12:49-53 "I am come to send fire on the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I distressed till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law."

Luke 54-56 - And he said also to the people, "When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, 'There cometh a shower,' and so it is. 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, 'There will be heat,' and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?"

Yahushua's ministry would be as a fire that devours! And indeed it is, even to this day!

Yahushua said that if we keep his words, then we are his disciples indeed. Let's look at some other things that Yahushua said that we must be willing to do in order to be His disciple...

Mark 10:17-25 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, "Good Rabbi, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

18 And Yahushua said unto him, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, Elohim. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother."

20 And he answered and said unto him, "Rabbi, all these have I observed from my youth."
21 Then Yahushua beholding him loved him, and said unto him, "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the stake, and follow me."
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23 And Yahushua looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of YHWH!"
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Yahushua answereth again, and saith unto them, "Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of YHWH!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of YHWH." 

It seems that entering the narrow gate is giving up any and all things that are near and dear to our heart, but is coming between us and YHWH. It appears that a pattern is forming here; we must be willing to give up anything that separates us from having Yahushua as being #1 in our lives!

Matthew 5:29-30 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna.

Yahushua is saying that we must be willing to give up anything and everything that will keep us from life!

Paul said...

Philippians 3:7-11 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for the Messiah. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of the Messiah Yahushua my Master: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win the Messiah, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of the Messiah, the righteousness which is of YHWH by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Now there are many people who hear these words of Yahushua, and can see that they are truth, and want the reward of eternal life, but they fail to "count the cost"...

Luke 14:28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, "This man began to build, and was not able to finish."

When a person decides to follow Yahushua, they must count the cost, check to see what is required (to enter in the narrow gate) and then figure out if they have what it takes and decide if they are willing to pay the price. Otherwise, if they tell everyone that they are going to follow Yahushua, and then realize that they cannot pay the price, they will be mocked. It would be better to not tell anyone anything until it is decided that they can pay the price!

But, what about a person who finds themselves in a situation with unbelieving kin, and they decide that it is just "too hard" to give up the "family", can't they make an agreement, so that they can be a disciple of Yahushua, but still stay in a compromising situation?

Luke 14:31-35 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Paul backs up Yahushua's word...

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath the Messiah with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of YHWH with idols? for ye are the temple of the living Elohim; as YHWH hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith YHWH, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters," saith YHWH the Almighty.

2Corinthians 7:1 - Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of YHWH.

The time that a person should realize that a decision must be made concerning their family, is when and if he sees the following, let's look at it again...

Matthew 10:34-39 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his stake, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

This includes compromising what we believe with people who refuse to come out of deception or who follow pagan celebrations!

Let's look at the command to enter the narrow gate from another angle, as presented by Matthew...

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because narrow is the gate, and constricted is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Entering the narrow gate and traveling the constricted path are two different things; entering the narrow gate is the "beginning of the journey", whereas the  constricted path is the journey.

Let's look at some signs, to show whether or not a person has entered the narrow gate...

John 7:2-7 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, "Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world." 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6 Then Yahushua said unto them, "My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."

The sword also came between Yahushua and his brothers in the flesh. Although James and Judah (Ya'acob and Yahudah) did finally become believers, there was division at the beginning. If we are Yahushua's followers indeed, then the world will hate us. Yahushua said...

John 15:16-19 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

again...

James 4:4 - Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with YHWH? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of YHWH.

The adulterous are those who are "friends of the world", because that makes one an enemy of YHWH. But I am sure that there are those who will disagree with this doctrine.

These people can be divided into two catagories, the seekers and the deceivers. The seekers are those who want to follow Yahushua, but are not willing to "pay the price" Then there are the deceivers...

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

In Jeremiah, false prophets and the false shepherds are spoken of...

Jeremiah 23:16-17 Thus saith YHWH of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of YHWH. 17 They say still unto them that despise me, 'YHWH hath said, Ye shall have peace' and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, 'No evil shall come upon you.'"

This is one of the biggest problems in churches, people trusting the arm of man, rather than the word of YHWH! One of the things that you will hear from these false guides are, "The law is done away with, we no longer are required to keep it, anyone who keeps the law is under a curse." This is what you will usually hear from those who also cling to the false names.

Let's now look at a comparison of those who are true disciples of Yahushua, with those who are not...

Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Luke 6:26 - Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Let's now look at an example where Yahushua compares himself to false shepherds...

John 10:1-6 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." 6 This parable spake Yahushua unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Yahushua starts with a parable, saying that the sheep (true followers) hear the shepherds voice, and a stranger (false shepherd) the sheep will not follow. He also said that the porter (one sharing the truth) opens the door to the shepherd (gives the sheep access to the shepherd). He then explains the parable...

John 10:7-9 Then said Yahushua unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Yahushua is not only the shepherd, but he is also the door and the narrow gate.

Continuing on, the thief comes to steal and kill, Yahushua comes to give his life for the sheep...

John 10:10-14 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."

The example that the false shepherds have can be found in Genesis...

Genesis 3:1 - Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which YHWH Elohim had made. And he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath Elohim said, 'Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?'"

The word subtle is Strongs Hebrew #6175 - ahroom: cunning...skill employed in a crafty manner, as in deceiving, craftiness, guile

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

again...

Matthew 24:3-5 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?"
4 And Yahushua answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, 'I am the Messiah,' but they will cause many to be deceived."

Many will come saying that Yahushua is in fact the Messiah, and deceive many! So, we not only have to be on guard concerning deceivers coming in the false names, but Yahushua said that many will come in his name who are also deceivers!

Jeremiah 2:8 - The priests said not, "Where is YHWH?" And they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

We can begin to see why the road to destruction is wide, and many enter in to it.

So, Yahushua is the good shepherd, and his sheep hear his voice...

Revelations 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Let's look at a promise in the Word concerning those who do enter in the narrow gate...

Hebrews 6:10-13 For YHWH is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when YHWH made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself

We must also remember what Paul said concerning the battles that we enter...

Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of Elohim, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The point is, that we do have to fight, but not in a worldly way, it is a spiritual battle...

We must keep in mind, that there are more people who do not love the truth, than those who do, this includes religious people!

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Having itching ears means not wanting to hear truth, but wanting to hear things that will satisfy their flesh! Many admire the words of Yahushua, but they fail to live them. We must pray that we can be accounted worthy to follow Yahushua indeed!!!!

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our Elohim would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the favour of our Elohim and the Master Yahushua the Messiah.

We need to pray for one another!

Mark 8:34-38 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Glad Tidings, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the splendour of his Father with the set-apart angels."

To be ashamed of Yahushua and his words, means his real words.

For another example of having to give up the things of this life, only this time the reward that comes with overcoming...

John 12:24-26 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, 'Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.'"

This is not to say that we will not have trials and tribulations, because the true followers of Yahushua will surely be tried!!

James 1:2-8 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of YHWH, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of YHWH. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Some might think that this study will drive people away, but let us look at what Yahushua did...

John 6:60 - Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can hear it?"

 then in verse 66...

John 6:66 - From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

But this is the thing that should encourage us....

John 6:67-69 Then said Yahushua unto the twelve, "Will ye also go away?"
68 Then Simon Kepha answered him, "Rabbi, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living Elohim."

Yahushua said...

John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

For the last scripture, let us turn to Mark 4...

Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With what standard you measure, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given."

May YHWH bless you all

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