The Encourager
“The Broad Way and the Narrow Way”
The Broad Way and the Narrow Way
by Jeff Curtis
The “broad” way is equated with tolerance. Many people believe that being intolerant for any reason is wicked. Certainly, at times intolerance is bad; but when God is being blasphemed, when truth is being attacked, or when opinion is being substituted for God’s Word, it is right to be intolerant. We are not to mean-spirited or hateful, but we must firmly stand for what the Bible teaches and refuse to accept wrong beliefs and practices. Jesus was intolerant of other gods (Matthew 4:10), of divided loyalties (Matthew 12:30), and of those teaching other ways to God (John 10:1-10; 14:6).
God’s way is narrow because it is the way of truth and holiness. Christians are often called “narrow-minded,” as if to say be being “broad minded” is a desirable trait. In this text Jesus advocated the exact opposite. He said that being “broad -minded” is not good and being “narrow-minded” is necessary. Being “broad-minded” is not the same thing as being “open-minded.” Being “open-minded” is good because it aids us in seeking and understanding the truth. In contrast, broad-mindedness means accepting any opposing view, or variant lifestyle. This is why Jesus warned us to avoid walking in this broad way.
Jesus said, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins”; “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:24, 32). He also said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted” (John 15:13). Paul urged Timothy to “instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines” (1Timothy 1:3), and to “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1Timothy 4:16). The way that leads to eternal life is extremely narrow, and few find it.
Who is Jesus?
by Jeff Curtis
After Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8, the stunned disciples asked each other, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey Him” (8:27). In Mark’s account, they asked, “Who is this man…?” (Mark 4:41 NLT). In the Gospels, the question of Jesus’ identity is of great importance. God the Father identified Jesus as His Son at both His baptism and transfiguration (3:17; 17:5). Satan recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and he us this fact as a basis for tempting Him (Matthew 4:3,6). The demons also recognized the divinity of Jesus (Matthew 8:29). However, the matter of Jesus’ identity was often debated among the Jewish people (Matthew 16:13,14; Mark 6:14-16; John 7:404-44). Jesus’ own disciples were often uncertain about exactly who He really was. When Jesus quizzed them on this matter, Peter made the good confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). But, even after the resurrection, some disciples still doubted (Matthew 28:17).
“Who is Jesus?” is the most important question someone can answer today. Jesus, the Son of God, identified Himself as the only way to eternal life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). He also stated, “If you do not believe that I am the One I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24; NIV). Making the confession is part of man’s faith response to the grace of God, leading to salvation (Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9,10; 1Timothy 6:12). How we answer the question about Jesus’ identity determines our eternal destiny.
