Narrow Gate Series

Again, thanks for your continued interest in the narrow gate series. In this week’s correspondence, we see Christ discuss fasting, seeking things in heaven, and radiating Jesus’s light through living His teachings.

Fasting is one of the Christian principles. This dates back to the Old Testament days (Esther 4:16). By the time Jesus arrived on earth Jewish leaders turned this holy practice into hypocrisy.

Here’s Christ’s message on fasting:

¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:16-18

Verse sixteen shows fasting isn’t letting others see your act of abstaining. Jesus emphasizes God’s displeasure with self-pity demonstrations. His stern words on fasting clarify God’s intended purpose for forbearance. He showed fasting is an action hidden from people but noticed by the Lord.

Christ highlighted both ways bring rewards. But the one did in secret honors God and in return, He embraces us with love. I confess fasting isn’t my greatest demonstration of faith. No, I fail at this holy tradition.

God’s Kingdom

Soon after Christ shared on fasting, He shed light on the idolatry of materialism.

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

It’s obvious God doesn’t enjoy coveting material items. Christ reminds us life’s aims don’t come from the world but in heaven. In fact, Satan makes the world’s possessions look worthwhile and Jesus says they bring hardship.

Christ shows seeking God’s kingdom is a place where the devil can’t come and take away holiness. So, by focusing our energy on the Lord’s truths, we discover an unshakable spiritual foundation anchored in Christ and centered on God’s word. Apostle Peter shared treasures God gives come from a faith that continues growing (2 Peter 1:5-11). In the last verse, Jesus distinguishes between the wide and narrow gates. He tells us what treasures we seek determine the spiritual condition of our souls.

Spiritual Awareness

We end this week with God’s marvelous light.

Jesus’s, next conversation:

²² “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eyes are unhealthy your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:22-23

Did you see Christ referred to the eye as spiritual light?

Why is that?

Because Jesus is the light (John 1:4-5).  

In these two scriptures, Christ separated the narrow gate from the wide. He began with heightening holy light as the true characteristics of God’s sovereign spirit. This mighty light radiates to others how Jesus works through a faithful believer. For example, Apostle Paul displayed this light as walking in the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In Paul’s epistle, his list elevates a healthy heart filled with grace and full of love.

But a life enslaved in darkness leads to eternal condemnation. It’s here Jesus exposes the wide gate as darkness (John 3:19-20). Since Christ is God’s light and many people rejected Him, they won’t enter the narrow gate. The magnificent reality of God is He made Himself known to everyone (Romans 1:18-23). This epiphany leaves no doubt God exists and judges unrighteous people.

I understand spiritual darkness. Before God saved me, alcoholism, bitterness, resentments, and sexual immorality controlled my life. This sinful behavior caused problems with family, friends, and coworkers. It destroyed my spirit and left me wanting to commit suicide. But God rescued me and placed me in Christ. And now I’m seeing God’s light!

As seen, Jesus unpacked God’s outlook on those circumstances. His emphasis on living in God’s will gives us profound results. It’s easy to get distracted and drift away from God. Yet, the moment we return, He greets us with love. Our Lord is patient and waits for us to return. These lessons Christ unfolded are essential Christian ingredients necessary to find the narrow gate.

Until next week, peace be with you.