So i've been thinking...

This probably won't mean much to many of you who haven't read much of the bible and say in as many sermons as i have; thankfully i've always had people to explain this sort of thing to me. But i've been thinking of writing notes on those parts of the bible which i might otherwise shy away from- those difficult bits which i either A. dont understand, or B.think i understand but want to hear other people's thoughts or c. am afraid that i understand completely but just want other people to confirm that it's the correct interpretation.

as many of you who know me weel enough will know, by the grace of God i come from a Christian family. And when i was a lad i used to stay over at my grandparents' house in solihull, in the old room that my dad grew up in. They havent got central heating but that made it all the more cosy; with a stand alone electric fire gurgling to itself nearby, seven blankets pressing down upon me and a host of waterbottles at my feet i was always more than snug. But i always remember hanging on the wall opposite the bed was the picture i've attached - the only difference wa that my grandparents' one had the caption 'The broad and Narrow Way' and didnt have all the little bits of writing on it. I always wondered about it and as you can see it's got a lot going on so i'd always study the various things in it as i fell asleep.

So yeah just saw this verse, was reminded of the picture, and thought i'd see what everyone else made of it.

Have a butchers at Matthew 7:13 which, for your convenience i have copied and pasted here (thank me later):

Matthew 7:13

13'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.'

So this is Jesus speaking, i think it's part of the Sermon on the Mount, i'm sure yoi'll correct me Row with glee if i'm wrong :) So Jesus is talking to a whole load of people including his disciples. Now i'm pretty sure no one would disagree with the basics, that is, that by the two roads Jesus means the road to 'Hell' and the road to 'Heaven'. Therefore by narrow and broad he's presumably referring to the ease and difficulty with which one can travel down each road respectively.

I suppose it's the 'many enter though it' and 'only a few find it' bits im confused about. I guess this note is in c. of the aforementioned categories. What does Jesus mean by 'few?' Because the bible also tells us in 1 Peter 3:9 that:

9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

So God doesn't 'want' any to perish but unfortuanely, i assume through our own choices, few will find the right path. That's a frightening interpretation. Does this mean that many in the church today are unsaved? And that few find the true radicalism that is in total obedience to God?

Thoughts people, thoughts.

Peace, and God Bless