The Narrow Door - His name is Jesus!

Luke 13:22-30 Someone from the crowd asked Jesus a question. He probably merely wanted a confirmation to a conclusion that he had drawn from the preceding parables that Jesus had told. Jesus almost never answered yes or no questions with a yes or no. To have merely affirmed the man’s conclusion would have been much like the lottery where there are only a limited number of winners and you probably are not one of them. To Jesus the number of people entering the kingdom was never point of discussion — the process of and the conditions for entry was. Jesus tells them that the door is narrow and that many will try to enter but won’t be able. He tells them to make every effort to enter that door. In other places He makes it very clear that He, in fact, is that door. In John 10, He says that He is the door of the sheep and that anyone who comes in another way is a thief and a robber. In John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In Matthew 22, Jesus tells of a wedding feast and a guest that had somehow entered in without the “wedding garment” — he was thrown out. To argue, complain, or to demonstrate that it’s not fair, that there ought to be another way is pointless. The fact is that we are on the outside, lost, doomed to destruction; and God in His love and compassion provides a way that we can enter in and escape destruction. He did it at great cost and sacrifice, through the cruel death of His only Son. Probably the greatest difficulty in entering is that of humbling ourselves, dumping our pride, and admitting to ourselves that we are powerless to enter with our own abilities. We first must believe that He is the way, then act on that belief and enter, and then conduct ourselves as though all He said was true. We have the brochure and tour guide; but to experience what it’s all about you must enter — it’s the only Way!