Bible Study Seattle

“`Go ye in through the strait gate, because wide [is] the gate, and broad the way that is leading to the destruction, and many are those going in through it;”. Matthew 7:13

Jesus no doubt said this as he was teaching on the Mount of Olives. There was a broad road leading west to the temple.

“And as he is going, they were spreading their garments in the way, and as he is coming nigh now, at the descent of the mount of the Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began rejoicing to praise God with a great voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying, `blessed [is] he who is coming, a king in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.'” Luke 19:36-38

This road was called the descent of the Mount of Olives. It lead to a viaduct which crossed the Kidron Valley. No doubt the viaduct was relatively narrow. So Jesus is visually showing that broad is the way that leads to destruction, and narrow is the way that leads to life (the temple). What destruction? Many Christians assume this means he’ll, but could it be more specific? Jesus was probably referring to those whose made their calling and election secure (narrow – the bride of Christ), with those who would fail of achieving that crown.