Two Ways

Many people who read this passage think that "the wide road" is the way of sinful self-indulgence, and that "the narrow road" is the way of righteousness.  However, that is not the point that Jesus was making here.  The wide road is the way of outward religious observance (as practiced by the Pharisees at the time Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount), and the narrow road is the way of inward transformation of the heart.  The references to wolves in sheep's clothing and houses built on rock versus houses built on sand point to this; a person can follow the law to best of their ability, and still have a heart that is far from God.

This passage can be disturbing to some people, who may wonder if they are on the wide road or the narrow road.  However, this also is not the point that Jesus was making here.  Our salvation does not depend on our efforts, but on God; Jesus invites us to trust in him and to live in relationship with him.

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