The Narrow Door

And even though this bystander doesn't deserve an answer, Jesus provides one. So let's begin to dissect this passage a little more....

Picture, if you will a fortress on a hill. The only way to get to this fortress is to work your way up the hill, zig-zagging back and forth, toward the castle gate or its doorway entrance. It is a narrow road that winds up the hill. The intend of the coming traveler is known in advance by the servants of the Lord, who watches to see if there are any hostile intentions.

In the ancient world, a city on a hill, high above the surrounding area and well fortified offered a strong vantage point to the King. There is no surprise attack from an advancing army for they are seen a long way off! And there were many such cities back then.

It might just be the setting that is behind Jesus, acting as a backdrop to this very story!

The people knew about war and about cities on a hill and about the need for a narrow gate and an approaching narrow road for protection.

Jesus likens such to the entrance to Heaven!

We are also warned to try strive to get through this gate! And though many will try, verse 24 makes it plain, many will not get through... but for now, let me continue with our opening question: 23 ... "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"

Did Jesus say, "... only a few people {are} going to be saved?"

No! "Someone" did - but it was not Jesus! Jesus did say, in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that who ever believes..." Clearly, Heaven is open to all who will Believe....

What then is the issue that Jesus and this "Someone" (in vs 23) are discussing?

We already have one part of the equation that Jesus is trying to open our eyes to!

The Jews were the "chosen" people. Of this there is no doubt. God chose them and they are His people. And while they are chosen and loved, and God's first called, they have abandoned God's love. They reject God's plan for themselves. They chased after their own heart's desires and walked away from God! If the Jews (God's chosen) could reject God, can't you and I??? It's not God's desire - but it is our choice! Jesus says of His Jewish kin:

vs 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

Could it be that we have fashioned a god in our own image?

Could it be that we really don't serve God, we only use Him to gratify and justify our own desires and our own preferences?

I know this sounds callous! But isn't it better to me to ask NOW then to have the Lord, from the other side of the door, say "I never knew you!"

People seek after money and strive after power! But who strives after God? Who denies themselves so God might reign in their lives - no matter what?

Illus: An elderly lady at a local elderly apartment complex is getting ready to leave this world for the life to come - she knows time is short. I visited several others in the complex only to discover a hidden anger behind the friendly smile. God gave me some insight into her problem so I was not surprised or blinded by what she and others said. This elderly lady, now near death, has pushed her whole family and all her relatives away so she no longer has anyone. She now wants the church to do what her family will not do - because of her own anger and her own unforgiveness.