This verse can seem upsetting when you read it. It would be fantastic to think of the Kingdom of God so overfilled that it's bursting at the seams but here Jesus seems to be saying the opposite will happen. He's saying that it's incredibly challenging to enter through those gates. Nobody wants to think of people, especially people we love, being left OUT of that Kingdom.
All throughout the Bible, we learn about the types of characteristics a person must have in order to enter into God's kingdom. Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying; your salvation is not based on your character but by Grace alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross is the only means to which you will find salvation; His grace, His mercy. Period.
It's through repentance and coming to understand and accept Jesus for who He really is, our Lord and Saviour, that you become a new person and your character begins to change! However, this is not easy! In fact, it's down right difficult.
Life gives us two paths to take; one path will lead you to destruction and one path will lead you to life.
The Wide Path
We all start out on the path to destruction. It's not a path we choose. This is just the path the world is on ever since the fall of man.
"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience" - Ephesians 2:1-2
The wide path is really easy to follow. It's where we are most comfortable. It's accepting of all kinds of beliefs, religions, thoughts and opinions. It's a path most people like to stay on. It's attractive and sometimes flashy. Sounds nice, doesn't it? It's familiar. It's what we call "home".
The Narrow Path
The narrow path not so simple. It's not an easy path to find! You see, it's very crowded on the wide path and not many people are able to find there way to the narrow path. It's so much easier to just follow the crowd.
No one can force you to walk down this narrow path, if you do happen to find it. It has to be a choice made by you and you alone. Free will!
It's very bumpy and you will stumble on the narrow path but staying on this path leads to life!
It's not a very popular place though, so sometimes choosing to walk down the narrow path can leave you feeling alone, scared or isolated. You may have to leave people you love and things you cherish behind.
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (by comparison of their love for God) his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple" - Luke 14:26
In order to get access on this narrow path, you have to accept that you are a sinner, repent and choose to put God first in everything. The toll to being on this path has been paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. He's also walking with you on this path and won't leave you to walk alone. Ever.
Which path will you choose?