The strait and narrow way

Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at 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: 
Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 

The strait and narrow way is by Jesus, but what is the meaning of strait and narrow?

Strait: narrow, Strait is narrow so there must be more to the meaning of narrow in this verse.

Narrow: to press (as grapes), press hard upon, a compressed way, narrow sraitened, contracted.

metaphor - to trouble, afflict, distress.

The way to Jesus is strait and narrow, a way that is with pressure on both sides. It may be a way of troubles, afflictions and distress. By faith Jesus goes with you all the way to the finish line which is to be with him forever. The earthly journey is full of problems and pressures, but we are to keep going, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus never promised that we would not have troubles, but he will never leave us nor forsake us. His grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Heb 12:3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 

Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 

The servant is not greater than his master, but he suffered for our salvation. The victory is already ours through the Lord Jesus Christ. Are we victors or prisoners of doubt? I am with Jesus, not turning aside or giving up, for we are in a race and the finish line is just ahead. We win in Him! There is victory in Jesus, my savior forever.