Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life (in other words, the whole course is as difficult as the first step); and (so it comes to pass that) few there be that find it. The recommendation of the broad way is the ease with which it is trodden and the abundance of company to be found in it. It is sailing with a fair wind and a favourable tide. The natural inclinations are not crossed, and fears of the issue, if not easily hushed, are in the long run effectually subdued. The one disadvantage of this course is its end-it "leadeth to destruction." The Great Teacher says it, and says it as "One having authority." To the supposed injustice or harshness of this He never once adverts. He leaves it to be inferred that such a course righteously, naturally, necessarily so ends. But whether men see this or no, here He lays down the law of the kingdom, and leaves it with us. As to the other way, the disadvantage of it lies in its narrowness and solitude. Its very first step involves a revolution in our whole purposes and plans for life, and a surrender of all that is dear to natural inclination, while all that follows is but a repetition of the first great act of self-sacrifice. No wonder, then, that few find and few are found in it. But it has one advantage-it "leadeth unto life." Some critics take "the gate" here, not for the first, but the last step in religion; since gates seldom open into roads, but roads usually terminate in a gate, leading straight to a mansion. But as this would make our Lord's words to have a very inverted and unnatural form as they stand, it is better, with the majority of critics, to view them as we have done. [The reading in Matthew 7:14, of Ti for " Hoti (G3754) - 'How strait!'-preferred by Tregelles-is, we think, with Tischendorf, to be disapproved.]
But since such teaching would be as unpopular as the way itself, our Lord next forewarns His hearers that preachers of smooth things-the true heirs and representatives of the false prophets of old-would be rife enough in the new kingdom.