”Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ Luke 13.22-27
The narrow door or narrow path is not a foreign concept in Scripture. It’s mentioned also in Matthew 7 and the concept is also found in Isaiah 35 (for more verses relating to this see https://biblereasons.com/narrow-path/). It has to do with the single way to salvation going through Jesus. Many will say that all paths lead to “god” or “gods” but Scripture is quite clear saying Jesus is the only way to reach the Father (John 14.6).
Jesus is walking up to Jerusalem. He’s going to face suffering and death. He’s going to pay the ransom for all of our sins to make the narrow door possible to all who believe. And that’s the only requirement, belief in Christ. It’s not church attendance, good behavior or any other factors that you might consider. Faith in Jesus is the key to unlocking the door of salvation.
And while Jesus is walking through “towns and villages” someone asks him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” What a question! We don’t know who asked it, that’s not important, but what matters is the answer of Jesus. He doesn’t say yes or no. He answers with a bit of encouragement — “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” Now that’s a loaded statement.
So the obvious question is “What is the narrow door?” We know that it’s not a “what” but a “Who”. Jesus is the narrow door. He comes knocking (Revelation 3.20), and says he is the door for the sheep (John 10.7). It means just what it says — going through Jesus will get you salvation, any other path will leave you on the outside looking in.
And his path is relatively straightforward, isn’t it? Both Romans 10.13 and Acts 16.31 say essentially the same thing — “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Jesus is the means to our salvation. Once the door is closed by the owner, says Jesus, “some will “stand outside knocking and pleading.” But the owner will say, “I do not know or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!”
Some may say this is harsh! Jesus shouldn’t be exclusive. But the invitation is radically inclusive. The narrow door might be narrow but it’s gates are wide enough for all who trust Jesus. Those who call upon his name will receive his forgiveness of sins, life today and life everlasting. And the price is not even paid by us! The entry fee to Heaven is covered by Jesus by love. God sacrificed his son so we might enter into his presence through Jesus Christ.
It’s the message of the Gospel and it’s readily available to you. What are you waiting for? Don’t be caught on the outside looking in. Go today through the door of Jesus and discover that your purpose lies within.
”O Lord God you are faithful. I am but a weak vessel, made of your earthen clay, trying to walk in obedience with your Word. Some days I knock it out of the park! And other days, I remember the human that I am and the absolute need for your saving. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me. Forgive me. Find me willing and ready. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen