The concluding verse in this section ("Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord.' shall enter the kingdom of heaven.") is often lifted out as a latter addition to Jesus' words. When Jesus speaks of the "narrow gate," he surely didn't mean to imply that God intentionally makes it difficult for persons to be of the way. Rather, he realizes that the wolves in sheep's clothing will lure us away from the path which leads to God.
It is a narrow way. And it is way too easy to become distracted and take an alternative path.
The narrow way involves consistently and continually interpreting my neighbor's actions in the kindest of ways. There is an endless number of alternative paths which would have me look upon my neighbors' actions as justification for dismissing him/her.
The narrow way involves consistently and continually reaching out to help those in distress. There is an endless number of alternative paths which would have me proclaim "God helps those who help themselves."
The narrow way involves consistently and continually forgiving the injuries inflicted upon me by those around me. There is an endless number of alternative paths which would have me harbor grudges and hate the one who did me wrong.
The narrow gate is not set up by God in order to turn away those who seek to enter His kingdom. The narrow gate is an image for how differently those who love and follow Jesus make their way through the world.
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