"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are 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 you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all your workers of iniquity.'"
--Luke 13:24-27 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on August 13, 2013 of Psalm 137; Luke 13:22-35; Nehemiah 7:4-73.
Luke tells us that Jesus and His disciples were "passing through from one city and village to another" as they headed to Jerusalem (please see verse 22). He was still leaving instructions as they traveled on how we should react to our Lord being repudiated and resented by man (please see Where is Our Treasure?). At this point in Luke's journal, Jesus tries to explain His role as regards the kingdom of God and how it impacts us. He begins by painting two short word pictures to relate what heaven is like in terms easier to grasp. Along the way He is asked if only a few souls would be admitted into heaven. Rather than answer the question with a simple yes or no, Jesus' reply, partly captured in today's focus verses, provides a direction for us to take and a very serious warning we should heed.
Jesus tells us to work our way toward the narrow gate. Of course, Jesus is that entrance, the straight and narrow path, the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Matthew also recorded this exchange (Matthew 7:13-14), so we know it is something important for us to understand. The rest of this verse after this brief instruction very clearly tells us why we should strive for that narrow gate, because many will seek heaven but not all will be able to enter. What follows should serve as a red alert for us, for these words will break the hearts of many.
In Luke's chronicle, Jesus provides His caution in the form of a parable about the Master (God) of the house (heaven) denying entry to some who claim they were with Him earlier. He replies He doesn't know them nor even where they're from and refuses to open the door (the gates to heaven). Matthew records a very similar parable Jesus used when describing the kingdom of God. In this instance Jesus spoke of foolish virgins waiting for the wedding feast (heaven) who had to leave to go purchase oil just before the Bridegroom (Jesus) arrived. When they returned, He would not let them in, saying He did not know them (Matthew 25:1-13). In both cases, the warning is clear. Many will try to enter heaven, but Jesus will deny them entry because He does not know them, or more accurately they don't truly know Him. Matthew recorded Jesus stating this very concisely. He warns that not everyone who bows their knee and calls Jesus Lord on the Day of Judgment will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will call Him Lord and claim they acted in His name. But He will not know them and will send them away (Matthew 7:21-23).
So how can we be sure Jesus will know us when it comes time to be judged? Jesus already told us: by striving for the narrow gate. For Jesus to know us, we must know Him. For Him to recognize us, we need to have a close relationship with Him. We start by surrendering to Him and accepting Him into our life as our Lord and Master. We believe in Him as the Son of the one true God. We thank Him for redeeming us. We study His life and His teachings by reading our Bibles. And we pray to Him, giving thanks in all things. Lastly, we follow His example by loving and serving one another. Enter in by the narrow gate and be saved. Amen.
Dearest Jesus, we pray that come Judgment Day when we call You Lord that You will recognize our voice and know our name. To that end may we grow closer to You each day. Help us understand what You tell us when we read of Your life and teachings. Help us follow Your instructions and commandments. We love You, Lord, and want a dearer relationship with You. In Your most holy name Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.
Jesus tells us to work our way toward the narrow gate. Of course, Jesus is that entrance, the straight and narrow path, the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Matthew also recorded this exchange (Matthew 7:13-14), so we know it is something important for us to understand. The rest of this verse after this brief instruction very clearly tells us why we should strive for that narrow gate, because many will seek heaven but not all will be able to enter. What follows should serve as a red alert for us, for these words will break the hearts of many.
In Luke's chronicle, Jesus provides His caution in the form of a parable about the Master (God) of the house (heaven) denying entry to some who claim they were with Him earlier. He replies He doesn't know them nor even where they're from and refuses to open the door (the gates to heaven). Matthew records a very similar parable Jesus used when describing the kingdom of God. In this instance Jesus spoke of foolish virgins waiting for the wedding feast (heaven) who had to leave to go purchase oil just before the Bridegroom (Jesus) arrived. When they returned, He would not let them in, saying He did not know them (Matthew 25:1-13). In both cases, the warning is clear. Many will try to enter heaven, but Jesus will deny them entry because He does not know them, or more accurately they don't truly know Him. Matthew recorded Jesus stating this very concisely. He warns that not everyone who bows their knee and calls Jesus Lord on the Day of Judgment will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will call Him Lord and claim they acted in His name. But He will not know them and will send them away (Matthew 7:21-23).
So how can we be sure Jesus will know us when it comes time to be judged? Jesus already told us: by striving for the narrow gate. For Jesus to know us, we must know Him. For Him to recognize us, we need to have a close relationship with Him. We start by surrendering to Him and accepting Him into our life as our Lord and Master. We believe in Him as the Son of the one true God. We thank Him for redeeming us. We study His life and His teachings by reading our Bibles. And we pray to Him, giving thanks in all things. Lastly, we follow His example by loving and serving one another. Enter in by the narrow gate and be saved. Amen.
Dearest Jesus, we pray that come Judgment Day when we call You Lord that You will recognize our voice and know our name. To that end may we grow closer to You each day. Help us understand what You tell us when we read of Your life and teachings. Help us follow Your instructions and commandments. We love You, Lord, and want a dearer relationship with You. In Your most holy name Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.
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