Will the Saved Be Few? Luke 13:18-30
Luke 13:17 All his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him. (ESV)
Luke 13:18-21 He said therefore, What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. And again he said, To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened. (ESV)
The Kingdom of God Will Grow Like a small seed that grows into a tree. Like a small lump of leaven that can permeate a large amount of dough causing it to rise.
Luke 13:22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. (ESV)
Their Question: Who is going to be there? And someone said to him, Lord, will those who are saved be few? (23)
Their Question Was Not Will there be others in the kingdom besides Jews? Was Will ALL the Jews be there?
Jesus Answer: Don t worry about them! Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (24)
Strive (agonizomai) Fight, struggle, strain. Word from which we get agonize.
It s a narrow door Reasons to Strive
John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in... and find pasture. (ESV)
John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV)
It s a narrow door Reasons to Strive It s a soon shut door
Luke 13:25-27 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, 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. But he will say, I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil! (ESV)
Familiarity vs. Knowing Outward contact means nothing, inward reception is everything. Darrell L. Bock
Luke 6:46 Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you? (ESV)
Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. (ESV)
Jesus Rationale: It won t be who you expect! In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last. (28-30)
Luke 13:29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. (ESV)
Acts 10:34-35 So Peter opened his mouth and said: Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (ESV)
Galatians 3:26-29 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ s, then you are Abraham s offspring, heirs according to promise. (ESV)
Genesis 12:2-3 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (ESV)
Luke 13:30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last. (ESV)
Will the Saved Be Few? The right question is not: Will the Saved be few? but, Will the Saved be You?