Today’s readings.. Numbers 3, Psalm 148-150, Luke 13-14.

Today’s chapters in Luke are full of challenging parables.  They really challenge us to understand and act on a particular message, what Jesus said when someone asked, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” [13 v.23] The question leads Jesus to talk about the “narrow door” [v.24].  We recall on another occasion he spoke about the “narrow gate” [Matt.7:13-14] when he said, “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”  

Luke records Jesus as saying, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” [v.24]   Why will they not be able? Why does God not make it wide and easy?  Does he not want all people to be saved?   If the answer is “Yes” – we must ask ourselves, ‘ Saved – on whose terms?’  Ours or God’s? 

We may want to buy a house or a car?  Who sets the terms?   But salvation is so very different, a life changing difference! 

Jesus goes on to tell of a house, the door of which is “shut”!  Many are knocking and “saying, Lord, open to us, then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from. Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” [v.25]

So because we hear Jesus preached about and read God’s Bible, and even share in a communion meal, can we ask for the right to come in this house?  But the text continues with Jesus once again saying, “But he will say, ‘I tell you I do not know where you come from.” [v.26,27]  He implies, they never had a relationship with him.

In Luke 14, we also read today, there is a situation where, they reclined with Jesus at a meal table, and someone said, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God” [14 v.15].   We then read how Jesus commented on those who had (to them) more important things to do in their lives than to come to God’s banquet.  

They gave first place to being involved with their family and businesses!   It is far from “easy” to be a true follower of Jesus.  No one will “deserve” to be in his kingdom; it will only be by grace!  And who deserves his grace? But that is another subject!