When you are invited to a big party, do you wonder who else was invited? It would seem natural, along with also wondering who wasn’t invited. When in school we wonder which of our classmates passed their exams, and who will be promoted to the next grade. In our Scripture today we read of a similar inquiry that someone asked Jesus, asking about how many there will be in heaven. Let’s take a look at this fellow’s question, and what Jesus’ response was.
As Jesus was journeying across the country, He continued His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing. Out of the crowd that had gathered, a man called out a question, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” (vs. 23). He wanted to know how many people would be in heaven, and possibly wondering if some of his friends would be there, and if those he disliked would not be. Jesus does not give him a direct answer with any number or names, but warns him to be concerned with whether he will be part of the number that will be saved.
As we look deeper into Jesus’ response, we see that entering the kingdom is not easy. Jesus speaks of it being a “narrow gate”, not a big, wide, broad road. It isn’t allowing everyone in, as many may want to get in, but will not be allowed (vs. 24). This is contrary to what many preachers and teachers today say, when they preach that everyone will be in heaven, and no one is excluded. Entering into the kingdom of heaven requires an effort of specifically turning to and accepting the Lord Jesus.
Though we know that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), when Jesus said to “strive” He implies an earnestness, self-denial, and a submission to God’s will. The call to “strive’ isn’t about a works-based salvation, but about responding wholeheartedly to God’s grace. True faith will produce fruit (James 2:26).
As Jesus continued, He told His audience that there would be people who stood outside the door, once it was closed, knocking and wanting entry. However, they will not be allowed in (vs. 25-27). It is interesting to look closely at what these people say to the Lord as they are frantically knocking at the door which is closed to them. They said that they “ate and drank in Your presence”, not that they ate and drank with Him. They didn’t share a table and a meal with Jesus, rather they ate “in His presence”, as if Jesus is just standing by. In addition, they stated that Jesus “taught in our streets”, not in their homes or to their families. This implies that Jesus was just in the periphery, not in the center of their lives. They knew of Him, but didn’t know Him in their hearts. The Master shutting the door represents the finality of judgment. Knowing about Jesus without a personal relationship with Him is insufficient. One needs to repent and be born again. They don’t know Jesus, so He doesn’t know them!
There will be great despair by these people when they see the prophets and patriarchs in heaven, and when they see people from all around the world there, but they are cast out (vs. 28-30). Jesus repeated something He said often, that the first will be last, and the last first. Those who presumed they were first, such as the self-righteous, will find themselves last. Jesus welcomes people from all nations who truly believe in Him.
This Scripture is both a warning and an encouragement. We are warned that salvation is urgent. No one knows how long they have here on earth. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We need to have made a decision for the Lord Jesus before we take our final breath. Once the “door” is closed, there will be no second chance. If we have not accepted Jesus as our Savior, God will tell us to depart from Him, as He does not know us.
This passage is also an encouragement, as we see that no one is excluded based on either background or past sin (vs. 29-30). Jesus accepts all who come to Him whether they are Jewish or Gentile, and regardless of nationality. It also does not matter how terrible a sinner one is, if one repents and calls upon Jesus as Savior, they can enter. Salvation is open to all who genuinely repent and trust Christ as Savior.
What about you? Are you going to be among the saved? Will you be included? You need to respond now before the Owner of the house closes the door. The door is narrow, but it is open to all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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