What is Jesus’ closing point in His Sermon on the Mount?

The final plea of the Sermon on the Mount is a general invitation to “enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14). The narrow gate and difficult road are references to the gospel’s demand for total self-denial and humility—and all the other qualities highlighted in the Beatitudes. Proud and unbroken sinners always choose the wrong road. That’s why it is full of travelers. It’s broad enough for everyone from out-and-out libertines to the strictest Pharisees. All of them like it, because no one has to bow low or leave any baggage behind in order get on this highway. Furthermore, all the road signs promise heaven. There’s just one problem, and it’s a significant one: the road does not actually go to heaven. It leads instead to utter destruction.