Kevin Wilson 360

Our Scripture meditation is based on Luke 13:22–24, the start of next week’s Gospel Reading.

[22] He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. [23] And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, [24] “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Take note that Jesus was journeying toward Jerusalem. This will help us understand this challenging Bible passage.

This passage is difficult because it stands in stark contrast to passages such as John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Which is it? Is God allowing a select few into the Kingdom of Heaven? Or is the Lord rolling out the welcome carpet for all people? 

By Jewish reckoning, any Hebrew who faithfully lived out God’s covenant could be saved. Yet no person born under the curse of original sin could perfectly live out the law. This made the door to enter salvation very narrow, indeed. In fact, it made earning one’s salvation impossible. 

This is why Jesus heading to Jerusalem was so important. Since he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was not born under the curse of original sin. Therefore, Jesus could choose to take the sins of the world upon himself, giving his life in place of all people. Jesus became the “narrow door,” the only way to be saved. Fortunately, we enter that door by grace through faith in Jesus.  

It turns out God is not allowing just a select few into the Kingdom. Instead, there is a select way to enter the Kingdom. God really does want all people to come together in his Kingdom. This happens as we, by God’s grace, are brought to faith in Jesus.

Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.