Tuesday, October 31 Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it.​—Matt. 7:13.

[Áine]

Tuesday, October 31

Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it.—Matt. 7:13.

 

Jesus mentioned two different gates leading to two different roads, a “spacious” road and a “cramped” road. (Matt. 7:14) There is no third road. We must choose for ourselves on which road we will travel. This is the most important decision we will ever make—our everlasting life depends on it. The “spacious” road is popular because it is easy to travel. Sadly, many choose to remain on that road and to follow the crowd traveling on it. They fail to recognize that the one promoting this road is Satan the Devil and that his road leads to a dead end. (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; 1 John 5:19) In contrast with the “spacious” road, the other road is “cramped,” and Jesus said that few are able to find it. Why? Note that in the next verse, Jesus warns his followers against false prophets.—Matt. 7:15. w21.12 22-23 ¶3-5

 

[Fallbrookian]

I love this scripture! Years ago out in field service a woman asked me how come there are so few witnesses compared to other religions?  Immediately I quoted this scripture, thanks to Jehovah! 😍

[Frances Bennett]

It certainly gives a lot to think about, especially in light of the spoilers on the AGM thread.

 

This WT from 1990 throws light on it too:

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200273261/240/0

 

The final paragraph is of note:

 

"Consequently, we can see from the context in both instances that Jesus’ comments (about few being on the cramped road leading to life and being saved) related primarily to having God’s approval at that time when He was holding out the hope of heavenly life. Relatively few who heard the message of truth and learned what was required responded and proved faithful.—Matthew 22:14; 24:13; John 6:60-66."

 

This explains the discrepancy between the "few" on the narrow road and the "Great Crowd" of Revelation. 

 

It also ties in with the thought from last years AGM regarding the unrighteous that will be resurrected (even though they committed vile things) and will be given an opportunity to come to know Jehovah during the 1000 years in the greatest preaching campaign ever, and therefore have their name written in the book of life ( https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2022567&srctype=wol&srcid=share )

 

It seems the narrow road is held out as a path to choose right up until the end of the 1000 years for people with an earthly hope.

 

What a lovely thought.