There is a serious warning here, but I do not believe the text says that the narrow way is a hidden, difficult path that only a few people discover “within the church.”
Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21). These are people who profess Christ, but a profession is not proof that someone belongs to Him. Jesus does not say, “I once knew you, but you failed to find the difficult path.” He says, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). They were never His.
Their religious works, prophecies, exorcisms, and wonders did not prove that they were saved. In fact, Jesus called them “workers of iniquity.” The warning is not that they were sincere Christians who chose comfortable doctrine. The warning is that outward religion, impressive works, and supernatural claims cannot replace actually knowing Christ.
The word translated “difficult” in Matthew 7:14 describes a narrow or constricted way. It does not mean that salvation is found by discovering complicated or unpopular doctrines. Jesus Christ Himself is the way. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
The same correction applies to John 6. The people did not leave merely because Jesus taught something intellectually difficult. Jesus plainly identified their real problem: “There are some of you that believe not” (John 6:64). Their unbelief caused them to reject His words.
We absolutely should examine ourselves, as 2 Corinthians 13:5 commands. But we must examine ourselves according to Scripture, not by asking whether our path feels difficult, uncomfortable, or unpopular. Hardship is not proof of truth, and comfort is not proof of error. False religion can be difficult, demanding, and uncomfortable too.
The biblical question is whether we have truly come to Christ in faith, whether His Word governs what we believe, and whether the fruit of a changed life follows. Salvation is not earned by works, miracles, sacrifice, or choosing the most difficult road. It is by grace through faith, and genuine faith produces obedience as its fruit.