Biblical texts utilize gates and doors as powerful symbols representing pivotal choices between life and death. The way to life is depicted as guarded and dangerous, suggesting that entering into life requires overcoming obstacles, such as the fiery sword at the Garden of Eden's entrance. Conversely, departing from this path represents a return to decay and death. Sin is personified, waiting at the 'petach' or door, ready to ensnare those who stray from righteousness. The theme recurs in pivotal narratives, such as with Cain's decision outside the garden, where the concept of sin lurking at the door foreshadows critical moral choices. Similarly, Noah's ark includes an explicit mention of a door, emphasizing safety and life for those who enter, framing the outside world as one of destruction. The story of Lot highlights the danger outside the door, illustrating how safety lies within, guarded by divine beings. This motif extends to the Passover, where entering the house marked by blood ensures life amidst impending death. The tabernacle's entry represents another variance of this symbolism, where the door serves as a threshold for sacrifices that connect the righteous with divine life. Overall, the narrative arc builds a cohesive pattern that reflects choices between life and ruin, deeply rooted in Hebrew literature and echoed through various stories, culminating in the New Testament with Jesus' teachings that intertwine the path and the gate, reinforcing the moral dichotomy of life and death.
Sermon on the Mount E34 – Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount by presenting his listeners with a choice, illustrated in three parts. He first describes two gates and two paths. The narrow gate is difficult to enter, but it opens up the way to life. The wide gate is easy to navigate, but it leads to ruin. In this episode, Tim and Jon explore the choice we all must make after listening to Jesus’ words and how the decision to live out our true calling as humans is challenged daily by paths that appear easier.
Timestamps
- Chapter 1: The Wide and Narrow Gates We Walk Through (0:00-12:49)
- Chapter 2: The Narrow Door (12:49-28:32)
- Chapter 3: The Few and the Many (28:32-45:16)
Referenced Resources
Show Music
- Original Sermon on the Mount music by Richie Kohen
- BibleProject theme song by TENTS
- “Golden” by Aarigod
- “Longing” by Chase Mackintosh
Show Credits
Jon Collins is the creative producer for today's show. Production of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; and Colin Wilson, producer. Stephanie Tam is our consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer. Frank Garza and Aaron Olsen edited today's episode. Aaron Olsen also provided the sound design and mix for today's episode. Nina Simone does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Today’s hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones, and Tim Mackie is our lead scholar.
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