Golden Text: Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24).

Transcription

1 Sunday, July 22, 2018 Lesson: Luke 13:22-30; Time of Action: 29 A.D.; Place of Action: Perea Golden Text: Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24). I. INTRODUCTION. While we should never think of God s kingdom as an exclusionary club, this week s lesson does tell us that there will be some who will want to come into the kingdom and won t be allowed to enter. I can think of nothing sadder than knowing that a person could have been accepted into God s kingdom but chose to live without Him. We will see from this week s lesson that one day the door to salvation will be closed. II. LESSON BACKGROUND. Most Bible scholars place this lesson during the last three or four months of Jesus life during His later ministry in Perea. Not all of the travels of Jesus are in chronological order, so it can be difficult to tell where certain events took place. The Gospels speak of Jesus heading to Jerusalem many times (see Luke 9:51, 53, 56;

2 13:22; 17:11; 18:31; 19:28). This was not a straight-line journey, since Luke has Jesus at Martha and Mary s home in Bethany in Luke 10:38-42, and then he has Jesus and the disciples up north between Samaria and Galilee (see Luke 17:11). Since John s Gospel tells us Martha s home is in the south (see John 12:1-2), Luke 13:22 could not indicate a straight-line journey to Jerusalem. So many scholars assume that Jesus went into Perea after leaving the home of Mary and Martha. Again, since Jesus journeys during His life and ministry are difficult to narrow down, we can t be positive about exactly where and when he was in a certain place during the last three or four months of His life. But we do know that during those final months before Jesus was crucified, on more than one occasion He told His disciples that He would be rejected and crucified (see Luke 9:22, 44-45; 18:31-34), but it appears that they really didn t understand what Jesus was saying. III. AN INTRIGUING QUESTION ASKED (Luke 13:22-23) A. Jesus teaching (Luke 13:22). Our first verse says And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. As Jesus was made His final trip to Jerusalem, He continued to do His Father s will (see Luke 2:48-50; John 4:34; 5:17, 36; 9:4). We are told that he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Jesus was an itinerant or travelling preacher, journeying towards

3 Jerusalem. He was being about his Father s business; and therefore, whatever cities or villages He came to, He gave them a sermon or two. Likewise, wherever God leads us, we should endeavor to do all the good we can. B. Jesus is tested (Luke 13:23). This verse says Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them As Jesus taught, apparently people came to realize that He was teaching that all Jews would not eventually be saved. As a result, one of His listeners asked are there few that be saved? In other words, the question was will only a few be saved? The Jews believed that simply being descendants of Abraham guaranteed them of salvation. But John the Baptist warned his listeners against this false idea when he said Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (see Luke 3:8-9). It s interesting that people seem to be more concerned about who will be saved and who will not, instead of focusing on what a person must do to be saved (see John 3:18; Acts 16:29-31). Unfortunately, the world gives us reason to wonder that of the many to whom the word of salvation is sent, there are so few who receive it as a saving Word.

4 IV. AN INSIGHTFUL ANSWER (Luke 13:24-27) A. The door is closed (Luke 13:24-25). 1. (vs. 24). This verse says Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Jesus didn t answer the question directly. He led the discussion away from being concerned with what others were doing and directing His listeners to examine themselves. Certainly, the answer Jesus gave is not very popular today, but it s the only answer that Jesus gave. He said Strive to enter in at the strait gate. The verb strive here comes from the Greek word agonizomai, from which we get our English word agonize or agony. This is an appropriate word because sometimes it can be agonizing to watch someone who is lost and struggling in life, refuse to seek salvation. The word strive is used in other contexts in Scripture to refer to an athlete in training (see 1 Corinthians 9:25). Jesus use of this word suggests that there is often a struggle in entering the gate of salvation. True disciples of Jesus Christ must be willing to commit themselves completely to Him and His cause (see Luke 9:23-26, 57-62). As we seek salvation, we struggle against our own flesh, which wants to do its own thing. We struggle against the world, which is filled with lies and deceit about salvation. We struggle with our own pride which hinders our efforts to enter God s kingdom. We struggle against man-made religion, which often obscures the way to salvation. We struggle against the devil, who seeks to control and devour as many as he can. The term strait gate can also mean narrow door which is most likely the

5 meaning Jesus intended here. It is hard to enter this gate because we want to hold on to our sinful nature and all that comes with it. This narrow way does not mean that the way of salvation is tricky or complicated. It simply means that men and women must come to salvation God s way. That way of course, is through Jesus Christ (see John 10:7-9; 14:6). Jesus knew that there were many wide gates that were more appealing to people (see Matthew 7:13-14). The narrow or strait gate is not as appealing to people and does not seem as inviting, but it s the one we must enter for eternal life. Grace is free, but it s not cheap! A great price was paid for our redemption, and diligence is required on our part. Those striving to receive salvation but don t find it are usually looking for an easy road, a road that does not conform to God s Word. Access to God is not a wide-open, take-any-route-you-want affair. He sets the route s ways and means. Jesus went on to say for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. They seek but they do not strive so they shall not be able to enter in the kingdom of God through salvation. Note: The reason why many people come short of God s grace and glory is because they lazily seek to enter in at the strait gate which cannot be entered into without striving. In other words, their convictions are weak; they don t consider what they know and believe, and consequently, their desires are cold, and their endeavors feeble, and there is no strength or commitment in their resolutions. Therefore they fall short, and lose the prize, because they don t press forward (see I Corinthians 9:24-25; Philippians 3:13-14). 2. (vs. 25). This verse says When once the

6 master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are. To illustrate the need for men and women to enter into the kingdom of God through the narrow gate, Jesus gave a scenario saying that a day will come when the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door to his home. Soon some will come to the door and stand without (outside the door), and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. Once the master has closed the door, people will come begging to get in crying Lord, Lord, open unto us. The fact that those who have been locked out call out to the master using the word Lord twice indicates that they now take getting in to the master s house seriously. But it is too late because the master shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are. The master declares that he doesn t know them or where they came from. The the master of the house is Jesus and in that day when He delivers the kingdom to God (see I Corinthians 15:23-25), there will be those seeking to get into the kingdom but won t be allowed to enter because Jesus won t recognize them as His own (see John 10:26-28). B. The departure ordered (Luke 13:26-27). 1. (vs. 26). This verse says Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. At this point Jesus makes it plain that He is the master of the house for He now refers to His ministry. The Lord s denial appears to perplex

7 those knocking on the door begging to get in. They thought that since they had eaten and drunk meaning they had meals with Jesus and even listened to His teaching in the streets, they had a right to get into the kingdom. Yes, Jesus did socialize with the scribes and Pharisees (see Luke 7:36; 14:1) and even visited the homes of those despised by these leaders (see Luke 15: 1-2; 19:1-6). But it takes much more than merely being in Jesus presence to know Him as Lord and Savior (see Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). It is not enough to hear Jesus teachings, we must put His teachings into practice (see Luke 6:46-49; James 1:21-22). 2. (vs. 27). This verse says But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. After hearing the pleas from those who have been locked out, Jesus said that the master of the house will repeat what he said in verse 25, I know you not whence ye are. Again the master says that he doesn t know them nor does he know where they come from. Then He will tell them to depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. The words workers of iniquity describe evil doers. It is the worst blasphemy to try to be saved on some basis other than the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (see Romans 6:2-4). When we try to save ourselves or say we don t have to be saved, we make a mockery of His sacrifice for our sins. To that, God will say, depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Earlier, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the same thing in response to those who claimed to be saved because they preached and even performed all sorts of miracles in Jesus name. But even with all that, Jesus still said get away from me you evil doers (see Matthew

8 7:21-23)! V. AN INCONTROVERTIBLE CONCLUSION (Luke 13:28-30) A. The rejection (Luke 13:28-29). 1. (vs. 28). This verse says There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. For those who are locked out of the kingdom, Jesus said that There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth which is a reference to eternal punishment. This statement refers to the judgment when the lost of all ages will be suffering in eternal torment in hell and the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:11-15), and they will see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God. Many Jews thought that only notorious sinners and heretics would be prevented from entering the kingdom of God. They assumed that their Jewish heritage and religious affiliation would grant them automatic access to the kingdom. Since the Jews were all descendants of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob they believed that if these patriarchs made it in the kingdom, certainly their descendants would as well. But in essence, Jesus declared that the suffering that unbelievers will experience will be even more devastating when they see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God but they themselves would be

9 thrust out or omitted from the kingdom. Note: This story Jesus gave about the master of the house and those who were locked out warns people not to assume that they are in the kingdom on the basis of simply being exposed to Jesus, or on the basis of elect ethnic origin like Judaism. Yes, the patriarchs of Judaism will be there, but that does not mean every physical descendant of Abraham will. It should be clear from Jesus teaching that access to the kingdom of God is not granted on the basis of church membership. Neither is it our relationship to the patriarchs or prophets that assures us of salvation. It is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:10-12). Only those who have been made righteous (see Romans 5:19; II Corinthians 5:21) by God will enter into His kingdom. One had better decide to follow Jesus while the door remains open and there still is time (see II Corinthians 6:2). A responsive heart to Jesus is what God seeks. 2. (vs. 29). This verse says And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. Not only will many Jews be locked out of the kingdom, but those whom unbelieving Jews considered to be outsiders, including many Gentiles, will be allowed in. Jesus said that people will come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, from all directions of the globe and shall take their place at the great marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:8-9) in the kingdom of God. In other words, nations other than Israel

10 will be blessed at God s table. Those who are blessed of God will come from everywhere. This reveals the ultimate multicultural character of the church. The church was never intended to consist of only one group of people (see Matthew 12:18-21; Luke 2:30-33; Acts 10:45; 11:1; 13:46-48; Romans 1:13; 9:24; 11:25; 15:12; Galatians 3:13-14). Note: During the final week of His life, Jesus said to the Jews, Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (see Matthew 21:43). The rejection of Jesus by Israel set the stage for the inclusion of Gentiles into His kingdom (see John 10:16). We all have equal access to God s blessing through Jesus (see Ephesians 2:11-22). Even the promise to Abraham stressed how the world would eventually be blessed through the patriarch s seed (see Genesis 12:1-3). Galatians 3 explains how that promise is realized now in Jesus. B. The reversal of fortunes (Luke 13:30). Our final verse says And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. Jesus closes His warning with a note of reversal. Expectations of who will be saved (see verse 2) are overturned as Jesus declared that there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last. The point here is that the Jews were privileged to hear the gospel first from the very lips of Jesus. But others (Gentiles), who didn t have the same privilege, have accepted the gospel message when they heard it. Many will get into the kingdom, including some surprises. There will be some people there that we thought

11 wouldn t make it, and some will be there who thought we wouldn t make it. Everyone is on the same footing when it comes to entering the kingdom (see Ephesians 2:8-10). Note: The warning for believers today in this verse is that those who we think will be first because they appear to be outwardly religious may turn out to be last and excluded from God s blessing because their faith was not real. To share in the kingdom of God, a person must come personally through the door by personally receiving salvation, the gift Jesus offers (see John 10:28; I John 5:11). But if we think about it, Jesus really turned the question He was asked (see verse 2) around. His questioner had asked, Will the saved be few? and Jesus replies with the question, Will the saved be you? VI. Conclusion. There is no doubt about it; we all want to be among those who are saved and enter God s kingdom. But we can be sure that we have entered in if we are trusting in the Lord Jesus completely, and are not relying on good works or self-righteousness to get us into heaven. Some have falsely taught that if our good works outweigh our bad works, we will get into heaven. But it just doesn t work that way! Unfortunately, at the judgment, too many people will repeat the statement from this parable, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets (see Luke 13:26). However, that won t be enough to allow them into the kingdom of God. Some who call themselves Christians and claim they are living for Christ will still miss

12 out. Like me, I m sure that many of you may have come across people who claim to be saved, but live like they belong to the devil. We need not look any further than Congress and the Trump White House. ***The Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press***