Matthew 7:13-14
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 18:10-14
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
While I sometimes think that God hides from me, I do believe as Jesus points out to us that we wander off and separate ourselves from Him...
Jesus teaches us God wants everyone in heaven...When a Shepherd with one hundred sheep loses one sheep that has drifted away and wandered off and away, He wants to find that one lost sheep...That one sheep is important...The truth is the Good Shepherd is happier about the one lost sheep that is now found, than He is about the ninety nine who were obedient and did not wander off...
Jesus teaches us He came for those who have drifted away...Jesus wants us to know what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice...' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12)....He came for those who drift away and wander off...That is who Jesus is looking for...And when we are found and His Son becomes a part of their lives, God rejoices in heaven...
Jesus is not speaking as an accountant when He tells us few find the way to eternal life and heaven...He wants "all" of His sheep to find heaven...He wants to be with "all" His sheep, not just only the ninety nine...That one that has drifted away is one to many...The Good Shepherd is always looking for and after all of His lost sheep...That one lost needs to be found and He wants him found...He even sent His Son to look for those who like to wander off...That one lost sheep is unique and important to Him...Even that one is far to many, in His mind, to be lost...Even though the ninety nine are obedient to Him, He is happier and rejoices when the lost one is found...The Father and Son wants all of us in heaven...