It is not the narrow road that is oppressive; if the Christian feels any oppression, it will come from those walking the broad road that leads to destruction. That is the road of bondage, but the narrow way is the way of liberty.
Contrary to popular opinion, you will never find freedom living for yourself. Since many people believe a self-centered life of unrestrained desires is the only way to freedom, they then postulate that Jesus’ teaching about the narrow way indicates a life of oppression. This idea could not be further from the truth. The narrow road is a wide place.
When Jesus said, “the gate is narrow,” he meant that he is the only way to the Father. There is only one road that leads to God. When he said, “the road is narrow,” he meant it is difficult. It is difficult because it is contrary to the ways of the world. It is not the narrow road that is oppressive; if the Christian feels any oppression, it will come from those walking the broad road that leads to destruction. That is the road of bondage, but the narrow way is the way of liberty.
Consider Psalm 119: 45. The psalmist says, “I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.” If you want to walk in a wide place, a place of liberty, Jesus and his word is the only way. Consider the following ways freedom in Christ expresses itself.
Freedom from Guilt
We have all fallen short of the Glory of God. Think about that for a moment. Jesus, as our Creator, created us for glory. He did not create us to live in slavish fear of him. He created us to find our glory in him, but, instead, we have all turned to our own way (Isaiah 53:6); a broad road of desolation and slavery to our sinful desires and judgment for our sin. However, when we turn to Christ, we find that the Father has laid on him our sinfulness. He was injured and afflicted by God. He was crushed for our iniquities. On the cross, we saw the chastisement that brought us peace. It is by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5). Bless is the person against whom the lord does not count his sin (Romans 4:8). In Jesus, we are free from the guilt and punishment of sin.
