Note Before Reading: This is commentary of one person. Think of it more as a bible study where each person might see something that someone else didn’t see. God’s word is multifaceted and alive. We will be learning about Jesus, from His Word, through all Eternity. This is just a peek, a few gems, there are many more. I pray that each of you can draw from the well of the Lord’s word, be fed your daily bread and that this might serve as salt to flavor some things you may not have noticed before. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you into all truth.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: v13
There is only one Way to make it and the Way is Jesus. He is the gate.
He is the door. There is no roundabout way to get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,
and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9
Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it. v14
Very few will find it. If God has opened your eyes to know that Jesus is the Messiah, you are very blessed. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 13:16
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves. v15
There are many imposters, who proclaim they know
the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns,
or figs of thistles? v16 Their fruits help you to see. If their fruits do not line up wih the bible and lift up Jesus, then that is not the right spirit. If they lead you to follow Jesus and your relationship with Jesus is strengthened by what they teach, this is a strong indicator that they are on the right path.
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. v17
What is the fruit we are looking for?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. v18
A corrupt tree, ultimately likes to be worshiped, likes to be the man of the hour.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5
Not allowing any human to take the place of God in your life.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down,
and cast into the fire. v19
Eventually, every evil imposter of God will be humbled. This can also be a pastor who wants to be elevated in God’s position in our lives. This can be subtle. Sometimes, it is the realization that God gives individuals, sometimes it is a public humbling. There are some pastors and preachers that have no indication of being humbled, but their day is coming. God’s word is true.
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased;
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. v20
Become familiar with the fruit God is looking for.
Not every one that saith unto Me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. v21
Jesus decides who He will allow in. He sees all hearts. His judgements are righteous and true. Believing is not enough.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46
Many will say to Me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name?
and in Thy name have cast out devils?
and in Thy name done many wonderful works? v22
Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity. v23
When we stand before His throne, those works we have done to earn our way or to pay Him back will not be noticed. He will honor us for our deeds of obedience and reverence to Him and His word. Nothing else will matter. To think some will hear, ‘I never knew you.’ is very concerning. Make sure He knows you. If you do not know what that means, ask Him to show you. The answers are in His word. I would not be able to determine that for anyone else. That is between each person and God. There are no formulas, not absolutes about each person. It is dependent on our faith and what His word says that each person learns and acknowledges. Spend time with Jesus and ask Him to teach you about Himself until your relationship with Him becomes real.