The Old Testament contains several references to diverging ways that force the traveler to choose between two paths (e.g., Deut. 30:19; Ps. 1; Jer. 21:8). The AV translation "straight"is a bit misleading. That translation reflected the Latin strictummeaning narrow, and it probably contributed to the common idea of "the straight and narrow."However the Greek word steneclearly means narrow as contrasted with broad. The word "small"(v. 14, Gr. tethlimmene) relates closely to the Greek word thlipsismeaning tribulation. Thus Jesus was saying that the narrow restricting gate has connections with persecution, a major theme in Matthew's Gospel (cf. 5:10-12, 44; 10:16-39; 11:11-12; 24:4-13; Acts 14:22).350
The narrow road leads to life, namely in the kingdom (cf. vv. 21-22). The broad road leads to destruction, namely death and hell (cf. 25:34, 46; John 17:12; Rom. 9:22: Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 1 Tim. 6:9; Heb. 10:39; 2 Pet. 2:1, 3; 3:16; Rev. 17:8, 11). Few will enter the kingdom compared with the many who will perish. Jesus clearly did not believe in the doctrine of universalism that is growing in popularity today, the belief that everyone will eventually end up in heaven (cf. John 14:6). Entrance through the narrow gate onto the narrow way will eventually lead a person into the kingdom. The beginning of a life of discipleship (the gate) and the process of discipleship (the way) are both restrictive and both involve persecution.
"Gateis mentioned for the benefit of those who were not true followers; wayis mentioned as a definition of the life of the disciples of Jesus. This is why Matthew uses the word gate' (pule) while Luke employs the word door' (thura, Luke 13:24). Luke is concerned primarily with salvation. Here the King desires subjects for His kingdom, so He uses a word which implies a path is to be followed after entrance into life."351
Only a few people would find the way to life (v. 14). As we noted earlier, Israel's leaders were lethargic about seeking the Messiah (2:7-8). Many of the Jews were evidently not seeking the kingdom either.
