Matthew 7:13
Enter ye in 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:
BECAUSE strait is the gate, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it. These two verses indicate two ways that are traveled through by everyone, there are no alternative options, only two, either a WIDE and BROAD way, or a NARROW one. Luke 13:24 says STRIVE to enter. The definition in the Greek for strive is ἀγωνίζομαι = agōnizomai, does that word look familiar, we get our word agonize from it.
From G73; to struggle literally (to compete for a prize) figuratively (to contend with an adversary) or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something): - fight labor fervently strive. Thayer's Definition to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games to contend with adversaries, fight metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
What Christ is relating is that this path is one that is filled with treacherous terns, that extreme effort is needed to traverse it, He is saying in a nutshell "strain every nerve, every fiber of your being to insure you follow the path that leads to life"!
There are many voices that are projecting what they consider this path to represent...which voice or view is the right one? Hard to discern without a guide, but Jesus tells us, I am the way, if He is that way that leads to life, you can never get lost, He says I am the truth, if listened to one can never be deceived or steered to follow the wrong directions, and finally, I am the life, being that one can never die. Yet it still takes effort and diligence to stay the course and follow the path.
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the PATH of life; in THY presence is fullness of joy; at THY right hand there are pleasures EVERMORE!!!!
Psalm 23:3 HE restoreth my soul: HE leadeth me in the PATHS of righteousness for HIS name's sake.
Psalm 25:4 Shew me THY ways, O Lord; teach my THY paths! verse 10 ALL the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto SUCH as keep HIS covenant and HIS testimonies.
Psalm 119:35 Make me to go in the path of THY commandments; for therein do I delight!
Proverbs 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path!
Proverbs 2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in darkness. 15 whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
Hebrews 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed!!!
Jesus said. I AM....the way (path) truth, life. If you start on in that direction, you can never get lost, never be deceived and never lose! No, does not mean YOU won't stumble, but Holy Spirit Who is our guide will lead you into ALL truth!