As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, nearing the end of His earthly ministry, He had shared many hard truths. One day, someone in the crowd posed a poignant question: “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”
This query didn’t come out of nowhere. Jesus had been teaching about the demands of righteousness, the cost of discipleship, and the exclusivity of the path to salvation. So, it’s understandable why someone would wonder about the numbers.
Jesus’ response was direct:
Luke 13:24 – “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”
His words are a wake-up call. The path to salvation isn’t broad and easy; it’s narrow, challenging, and requires intentionality. Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat it; He emphasizes that many will try but fail because they’re following the crowd along the wide, popular path.
He then paints a vivid picture of what happens when the door is shut. Those outside will plead, claiming familiarity with Jesus, but the response will be, “I don’t know you.” At the great banquet, while the prophets, patriarchs, and people from all parts of the earth will celebrate, those outside will face sorrow and regret, gnashing their teeth in the realization of what they’ve lost.
Luke 13:30 – “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
This passage turns expectations upside down. Particularly for the Jews who thought their lineage guaranteed salvation, Jesus clarifies that it’s not about heritage but about a personal relationship with Him. The “narrow door” is about knowing and being known by God, not just knowing about Him.
So, what does this mean for us today?
Are we just following the cultural norms, the wide path where everyone else is going?
Are we taking our salvation for granted, assuming our knowledge of Jesus is enough, or do we think all roads lead to heaven?
Jesus urges us to “make every effort” to know Him personally and to walk with Him daily. This isn’t about earning salvation through works but recognizing our total dependence on Him.
In light of Jesus’ words, let’s evaluate our lives, our priorities, and our faith. The narrow door awaits those who truly seek Him, not those who merely know of Him. Do we know the Father? Do we know Jesus? Are we in a relationship with Him now? We are following Him on the narrow path and through the narrow door. He will know us when we enter His eternal kingdom.
Let’s make every effort to enter through the narrow door.
