“The Narrow Gate”
Luke 13:22-35
And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved? And He said to them…” – Luke 13:22-23
This certainly is an important question, which translates into the question, will there be many or few who get to heaven? Our Lord’s answer is sobering. And He used yet another illustration, a “narrow gate,” to reveal His answer.
Now, what does a narrow gate infer to you? I know what it infers to me! Few, not many, will be saved. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
Our Lord’s unambiguous answer might seem startling, but it is an answer that we, even in our fellowship, need to ponder. Because they are the very words of Jesus answering this specific question, “Lord, are there few who are saved?”
Matthew’s Gospel gives us a little more “red-letter” detail. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” [Matt 7:13-14]
Notice that “wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” So, in short, you do not want to be following the crowd. You want to follow the Truth. And this can even apply within the Church [ref. Lk 13:18-21; 13:26]. Remember the mustard seed parable?
Also notice that the narrow gate way is a difficult one. Note the word “Strive” in Lk 13:24. If you think that following Christ is an easy way then you are mistaken. Narrow is the way that leads to life; and that way is difficult. It comes with denying self, and being set apart, and serving. Jesus even warned to count the cost before following Him [ref. Lk 9:57-62]. The benefit, however, is a far greater eternal blessing.
But let’s remember the context of our passage this morning. Jesus warned of hypocrisy [12:1-7]; investing in earthly treasure [12:13-34]; not serving [13:35-38]; not bearing fruit [13:6-9]; and a counterfeit faith [13:18-21]. These warnings were given to disciples, and they are warnings to us.
Therefore, as we read our passage this morning, we mustn’t look past ourselves in this real and serious notice: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.”
In this, Jesus made it clear; His way is a narrow way; it is the only way.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” [Jn 14:6]
