Lesson 17: Living the Golden Rule in a Wide-Gate World
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:12-14
Thank you for taking the time to join me today as we reflect together on the powerful teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:12-14. It’s my prayer that the Lord would encourage, challenge, and shape us through his Word as we seek to follow him more faithfully.
Two Paths and a Rule of Life
Matthew 7:12-14 forms the concluding bracket around a central section of the Sermon on the Mount. Verse 12, often called the Golden Rule, summarizes Jesus’ ethical teaching in a single, clear sentence: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (v. 12). This verse is not merely a moral guideline, but the ethical core of Kingdom life. The word “so” (Greek: oun) connects this teaching with what precedes, particularly the assurance of God’s goodness in answering prayer (vv. 7-11). Because we serve a good and gracious Father who gives generously, we’re to treat others with similar kindness.
Jesus elevates this teaching beyond conventional reciprocity. Many religious traditions express similar sentiments - do not do to others what you would not want done to you - but Jesus makes it active: Do unto others. As John Stott writes, “This is the most concise statement of the ethical principle of love which is to govern the behavior of the citizens of the kingdom of God.” Indeed, this way of living fulfills the intent of the Law and the Prophets (see also Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14).
The image of shepherding is never far from view here. As under-shepherds, we must guide others not through judgment or control but by gracious example and sacrificial love. Our Lord, the Good Shepherd, not only taught the Golden Rule but lived it fully in his life and death (John 10:11; Philippians 2:4-8).
The Narrow Gate
In verses 13-14, Jesus changes the tone. He urges, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” This is a warning against spiritual complacency and moral laxity. The broad road isn’t marked by open hostility to God, but by ease, indifference, and self-centeredness. It’s the way of the crowd.
In contrast, the narrow gate represents disciplined discipleship. Jesus says, “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” The word “hard” (Greek: thlibō) means pressed or constricted - it conveys the image of tribulation or suffering. This path demands self-denial (Luke 9:23), holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and an unwavering commitment to follow Christ (Matthew 16:24). It’s the road less traveled, but it alone leads to eternal life.
As J.C. Ryle warned, “Let us not suppose for a moment that it is an easy thing to be a real Christian. It is a fight, a race, a warfare.” That’s why the disciple of Christ, leading as a shepherd, must not only lead gently but also with courage, guiding the flock away from the wide gate and toward the narrow path of life.
The Narrow Way of Love
These verses must be held together. The Golden Rule isn’t sentimentality but sacrificial love; the narrow way is not moralism but faithfulness. The way of Christ is neither casual nor cruel, it’s cruciform. In treating others as we would be treated, we walk the narrow road marked by love and humility.
Moreover, verse 12 reflects not only the ethical teaching of Jesus but the heart of God’s covenantal love. This is what the law pointed to all along (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). Jesus distills the complexity of the Law into one relational principle, and then reminds us that few will choose it. Why? Because the way of self-giving love costs far more than the way of self-fulfilling desire.
Our calling as disciples under Christ is to embody and teach this ethic, not to burden with legalism, but to lift with love. We live the Golden Rule because we’ve been transformed by the One who gave himself for us.
Key Principles
Jesus calls his disciples to active, self-giving love, reflecting the heart of God’s Law and the mission of the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).
The way of Christ is demanding and often unpopular, but it alone leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). It requires spiritual vigilance, humility, and perseverance.
Living by the Golden Rule isn’t optional; it’s evidence that we’ve entered by the narrow gate and are walking in step with Christ (John 13:34-35).
Bible Study Questions
What does Jesus mean by saying the Golden Rule “is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12)? How does this relate to Matthew 22:37-40?
How does the Golden Rule differ from similar sayings in other religious or philosophical traditions?
What is the significance of the word “so” at the beginning of Matthew 7:12? How does it link to the previous verses?
Why is the road to destruction described as wide and easy (Matthew 7:13)? What makes it attractive?
How is the narrow gate described in contrast? What kinds of attitudes or habits characterize those who walk that path (Matthew 7:14)?
How do the images of gates and roads help us understand the nature of discipleship?
What does Luke 9:23 add to our understanding of entering the narrow way?
How do Romans 13:10 and Galatians 5:14 support the claim that love fulfills the law?
Why do you think Jesus says “few” find the narrow path? What does this imply about the cost of discipleship?
How can the church today serve as both gatekeeper and guide on the narrow road?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
In what ways are you currently seeking to live out the Golden Rule in your relationships?
Have you found yourself on the broad road of ease or the narrow road of obedience lately?
What are some specific challenges you face in consistently treating others the way you would want to be treated?
How does the promise of God’s faithfulness in prayer (Matthew 7:7-11) encourage you to live the Golden Rule?
What “wide gate” temptations regularly appeal to your heart?
How has your understanding of the Christian life been challenged or confirmed by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14?
How can your small group or church community help each other stay on the narrow path?
What kind of legacy would you leave if you lived consistently by Matthew 7:12?
In what ways do you see our culture promoting the wide gate and broad road?
How can you grow in both love and truth as you seek to shepherd others into Kingdom living?
Action Steps
Choose one relationship where you can intentionally live out the Golden Rule this week. Ask yourself, “How would I want to be treated in this situation?” and act accordingly.
Identify a current behavior, attitude, or habit that reflects the ease of the broad road. Pray for courage to resist it and commit to a small, daily practice that reflects the narrow way.
Identify someone who is struggling in their walk of faith and offer support, encouragement, or accountability. Walk beside them as a fellow traveler, pointing them toward the gate that leads to life.
Conclusion
Thank you again for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and challenged by our time in this passage. Jesus not only shows us the path, but walks it before us and with us. May we seek to live the Golden Rule not in our own strength, but in the power and grace of the One who gave himself for us. For more Bible studies, devotionals, and other resources that don’t go out via email, I invite you to explore Walking Points. And if this lesson has been helpful to you, please consider sharing it with a friend and inviting them to subscribe as well.
Thank you for this. The narrow gate teaching provides me with a great segue to start Pilgrims Progress.