Significant Words

As you read Luke 13:22-30, think seriously about Jesus’ short discourse and remember the following words:

Others. And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem, vs. 22. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem would climax in His death. But, knowing all of this agony lay before Him, His thoughts were of others as he journeyed: as he traveled he taught. How easy it is to focus on self and become self-absorbed. Indeed, the first characteristic of the “grievous times” in the “later days” mentioned by Paul is that men will be “lovers of self”, 2 Tim. 3:1-2. May we daily look for opportunities to serve rather than be served: “do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others”, Philippians 2:4

Self. And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door;”, vss. 23-24a. The question to Jesus was an impersonal one: “What about them?” The questioner wanted to know about the spiritual fate of others. Jesus, however, in his answer did not give this individual the reply he sought. The implied subject of “Strive to enter…” is “you”. You make an effort to be saved. Whenever faced with some spiritual truth, let’s not think first of all how it might apply to someone else and what the consequences of that truth may or may not be in their lives: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!”, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Effort. "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” vs. 24. To “contend” or “agonize” is the meaning of “strive”; it denotes the effort put forth by athletes to achieve the highest degree possible of physical fitness.

Anything less than this athletic-type of effort will cause us to miss the goal of heaven: “And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Opportunities Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.', vs. 25. Those Jesus was addressing on this occasion had an opportunity to open their hearts to the Lord’s teaching. That opportunity would end at their death, as it will with ours: Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

Privileges Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; and He will say,' I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.', vs. 26-27. It is a great blessing to be privileged to hear Truth proclaimed and be exposed to those who live godly. How wonderful to have godly parents and assemble regularly with true saints. But mere association with and exposure to truth and those who proclaim it and live it will not “rub off on us” and make us “holy” simply because we have been it its presence: If a man carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and touches bread with this fold, or cooked food, wine, oil, or any other food, will it become holy?'. "And the priests answered and said," No." Haggai 2:12

Regrets There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being cast out. vs. 28. Many regrets will make hell a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (regret over being more concerned with self than others, over our failure to make a greater effort in serving the Lord, and the opportunities we wasted). But perhaps the biggest regret will be the one mentioned by Jesus: the agony of being separated for eternity from the godly: "Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. "And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame.' Luke 16:22-24

Surprises And they will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last. vss. 29-30 Things are not always what they seem. It may appear outwardly that one is destined for Heaven; that if brother or sister_______ don’t make it none will. Others, it seems, simply do not have a chance. But heaven will be composed of those who conform to God’s standard: God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Sobering words from a very instructive story. Reflect on both frequently. 

David Smitherman