Popularity vs. Christianity

Matthew 7:13-14 says "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there are that find it."

Few there are that find it.

Christianity is the leading religion in the world. 1/3 of the population of the entire earth would say, when asked, that they are Christian.

But how does this line up with what the Bible say about the gate being narrow? Surely Jesus isn't talking about a 1:2 ratio when he says narrow is the gate and few there are that find it.

Jesus has flocks and flocks of people that followed him to the different places that He went. He attracted a lot of attention. And following Him through the city and watching Him do miracles doesn't take much effort. I'd imagine He was probably pretty easy to find as well.

But it's not just spectating that leads to life. It's staying on the narrow road.

It's following Jesus even when He says "intolerant" things like "I am the way, and no one comes to the Father but through me." 


It's following Him even when He responds to your great idea with "Get thee behind me Satan." 


It's following Him even when He asks you to leave all your luxury, all your leisure, and all your recreation. 


Worshippers that worship the Father in spirit and in truth will likely never be popular over a long period of time. The reason is because God will always be asking for more of their time and attention, and they will be the ones that will respond "yes."

Later on in Matthew 7 Jesus is very clear that there will be those that will do great things for God in their life:

Prophesy
Cast out demons
Do many miracles

But Jesus says to some He will say, "depart from me, for I never knew you."

There is a Christianity that looks right on the outside, but without the relationship, without the faithful walking out of your faith in private, will lead to death.