The Difficult Way and the Light Burden

Question: If the gate is narrow and the way difficult, as Jesus Christ stated in Matthew 7:13–14, then how could His yoke be easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:30)? Please explain this apparent contradiction.

Answer: At first glance, this may appear to be a contradiction, but in fact, it is not. To answer your question, we need to understand each passage, beginning with Matthew 7:13–14.

Most of you reading this live in safe, stable neighborhoods—some of you have lived in the same home for decades. Many enjoy the stability of a long-time residence, sending their children to local schools, knowing and trusting the neighbors, and the financial stability of paying off a home. However, life is not that way for everyone.

I first saw your literature at a doctor’s office, started reading it, and was so impressed by it that I asked the lady at the desk if I could take it with me. Then I received a magazine from a friend who picked it up and gave it to me because he knew I liked reading that type of magazine. So I decided to send for it. It has helped me understand what I read in the Bible and what we discuss at Bible study at church. Thank you so much for your free literature and for the encouragement I receive through reading your magazine.
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Many are familiar with the tremendous impact of professing Christian evangelism in spreading the Bible and Judeo-Christian values around the globe. Such efforts have influenced developing cultures for over four centuries. Many missionaries and other religious workers even died bringing their message to non-Western societies. However, today’s evangelists and missionaries from developing countries now rebuke and express disappointment in the Western “mother countries” that are drifting ever further from the Bible.

The modern world ignores ancient wisdom.

Many people today are quick to condemn others when they hear or see an accusation, even if proof is lacking. Social media lights up like an electrical storm, filled with hateful and vitriolic comments and horrific threats—sometimes including bodily harm and death—toward the accused.

Even some professional journalists prejudge before getting all the facts. Verifying information appears to be less important than being the first to publish and take advantage of sensationalism.