Show Don't Tell: Matthew 7:13-14

Imagine, if you will, a bustling marketplace in a small town. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting golden rays that dance upon the cobbled streets. Children laugh as they chase each other, vendors shout out their wares, and the smell of fresh bread wafts through the air. In the midst of this lively scene, two gates stand before you, each telling a different story.

The first gate, grand and imposing, is made of polished wood, its double doors flung wide open, beckoning all who pass. A colorful banner flutters overhead, proclaiming “Welcome!” Inside, the path is smooth and straight; you can see the crowds moving effortlessly, their faces filled with joy and ease. Laughter echoes as they stroll along, completely at home in this wide expanse. "Many enter through this gate," you think, and you can’t help but feel the magnetic pull toward this inviting road.

But as you turn your gaze to the second gate, a different scene unfolds. This gate is small and weathered, nestled between two ancient stone walls. You need to bend low to notice it, and even then, the opening feels almost hidden. Beyond the gate, the path narrows, rocky and uneven, winding through a dense thicket that seems to whisper warnings of hardship. Here, only a few brave souls gingerly tread, their faces etched with determination. “Only a few find it,” you recall, feeling the weight of their struggle.

In this moment, the stark contrast couldn’t be clearer. The wide road is filled with laughter and ease, yet it leads toward destruction. The narrow path, though fraught with challenges, promises the gift of true life. As the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the ground, you realize the choice lies before you—an eternal decision with profound implications. Not everyone who hears the call of the gate will heed it. Will you be among the few who seek the difficult path that leads to everlasting joy?