Questions From Readers

◼ Should we conclude from Matthew 7:13, 14 and Luke 13:24 that even in the resurrection, most humans will reject true worship?

No, these verses do not support that conclusion. Rather, they relate particularly to gaining life in the heavenly Kingdom.

Jesus’ words at Matthew 7:13, 14 are part of the Sermon on the Mount. He said: “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.”

Much of what Jesus said on this occasion related especially to the heavenly Kingdom. For example, he began with the words: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” He said that the pure in heart would “see God” and that “the kingdom of the heavens” belongs to those “persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:3, 8, 10) Later in that same discourse, Jesus spoke of the broad road leading off into destruction and the cramped road leading to life. In part, he added: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.”​—Matthew 7:13, 14, 21.

Consequently, we can see from the context in both instances that Jesus’ comments (about few being on the cramped road leading to life and being saved) related primarily to having God’s approval at that time when He was holding out the hope of heavenly life. Relatively few who heard the message of truth and learned what was required responded and proved faithful.​—Matthew 22:14; 24:13; John 6:60-66.