Continue to call us and to forgive us, your loyal and faithful servants. We, who have been created by your hand, turn back to you all that we have managed to enact in our lives in your name. . 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. When a bystander asks how many will be saved, Jesus replies – and he replies to us today when we wonder if our enemies will perish or thrive . Christians who have the Holy Spirit of God, and are led by it throughout their lives, will be resurrected to immortality and will enter the Kingdom of God. And in your great love, give us the hope, the grace and the endurance we will need to live in joyful hope for you. Jesus calls us to witness to injustice, but he does this by calling us to The Great Reversal. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Grant us the courage and fortitude to forswear vengeance even when we are urged on by friends. Jesus taught about the narrow gate in both Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24. your plans for us are too vast and too complex for us to understand and so we stand before you – humbly – returning to you after having gone off on our own. . Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14. Luke 13:24. 22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Is it true that Jesus is the only way to heaven? Originally it was to contend for a prize in the games. Bear in mind that … Keep us mindful of you just as you are mindful of us. Remove our deepest fears, bolster us with your certainty, and bring us into a place where the cares of our daily struggle will not overwhelm us. Reading 1 – Isaiah 66 18-21 Psalm – Psalms 117:1,2 Reading 2 – Hebrews 12:5-13 Gospel – Luke 13:22-30. When we compare THE MESSAGE translation of these verses with others, we discover the peace we seek . Jesus calls us to witness to injustice, but he does this by calling us to The Great Reversal. Lead us in your way of confronting hypocrisy with honesty rather than anger. 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! He went on teaching from town to village, village to town, but keeping on a steady course toward… He went on teaching from town to village, village to town, but keeping on a steady course toward Jerusalem. What Makes the Narrow Gate Narrow? just beyond the narrow gate that is Christ. This is the Great Reversal: the last in line is put at the head of the line, and the so-called first end up last. Guide us away from the leaven and keep us from the puffing up in pride. In Luke 13:23-30, Jesus was asked if only a few would be saved. "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. Mobile Applications. In your kindness, guard us. Enter Through the Narrow Gate 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30. Answer: Christ came, not to the gentiles (the world population in general), but to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. Posted on September 15, 2013 by ajr247. We see that this man was only dreaming of victory. This has caused concern among modern readers, many of whom wonder how narrow is the narrow gate? Matthew 7:13 to 27. Hi, it’s Amanda here. “The Narrow-Gated Way” Luke 13:22-30 & Matthew 7:13-14 INTRODUCTION: Read Luke 13:22-30. It’s the nature of the flesh to take control and make things right. Remain in covenant with us, and keep us in covenant with all humankind, even as Jesus does. Here the Lord is saying we need to "Enter by the narrow gate." Translation and Interpretation. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), http://kinsmanredeemer.com/articles/eye-needle, Gospel Parables – The Graciousness of God, Psalm 26:7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deed, Jeremiah 31:33: God’s Love Letter – Part III, A Journey for Disciples – Followers Return, A Journey in Stages – From Slavery to Freedom, A Journey of Restoration – From Exile to Reunion, The New Testament – Revising Our Suffering, Luke – Part One of God’s Promises Fulfilled, 2 Maccabees – The Souls of the Faithful Departed, Daniel – God Calls the Faithful and Faithless, Habakkuk – Keeping Faith, Trusting in God. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. . Luke 13:22-35 New King James Version (NKJV) The Narrow Way. We, who have known the protection of your power, fly home to live in you. Young's Literal Translation 'Be striving to go in through the straight gate, because many, I say to you, will seek to go in, and shall not be able; Luke 13:24 Parallel He, as the divine Shepherd, is always calling to us in a gentle way. | Christ says salvation is easy | Here are the things that narrow the gate for those reluctant to accept Christ | Here also are the keys to the gate of new and eternal life | Sermon by Peter Masters “Whether few or many is none of your business. No, I tell you, but division. Allow us to feel and acknowledge your presence and power in our lives. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The Narrow Gate -Luke 13:24. Family Time: What is the cost? We know this story so well! This message deals with the broad and narrow way. Todays service featured on the text – Luke 14: 27 …. After several such “victories” the “hero” is awakened from his daydream. The narrow gate and the difficult way “The narrow gate” is a fairly straightforward concept. 584 In this case, it is probably the door to a house or courtyard that is in mind. The gate is strait to our weak, unwilling nature, however gloriously open and free in itself. Instead you ought to be concerned about your own salvation. He said to strive to enter into the narrow gate, for many would try and not be able. Good, and honest God, abide with us and strengthen us. In both places, entrance through the narrow gate is limited to only a small group of people. The “narrow gate” is that gate through which the humble enter. . This was the wisdom my parents taught us. What happens to babies that die. How do we conduct ourselves so that all the time we are not outside looking in—and wondering what happened? Keep us always in the way of your holy integrity. and that the most important moment is now. He is not saying we must strive in the flesh to overcome sin and pass the test. What is the narrow gate? And why did Jesus exhort us to strive to enter the narrow gate (in Luke 13:24)? Remind us that you give us the gift of life. It is too narrow … 7:13-14). Jesus is telling us that the answers to our questions stands before us, but perhaps we cannot see his simple solution because we are too interested in the business of others. You don’t know the first thing about me”. AVAILABLE FOR: Google, Apple, Windows. Jesus uses the image of a door for salvation and says it is a narrow door (Luke 13:24). Some have said that the narrow gate is actually an illustration of a turnstile. Help us to see that all time is yours . Gospel Library. How does God judge people raised in non-Christian cultures? There are qualifications. ( Log Out /  The entry to celebration is the slim door that asks us to behave differently, to examine ourselves to find what we must change in order to experience true joy. Luke 33:22-30: The Narrow Gate and the Great Reversal. Luke 33:22-30: The Narrow Gate and the Great Reversal Friday, June 8, 2018 We know this story so well! How does God judge people raised in other religions or non-Christian cultures? These were already God's chosen covenant people-all of whom will finally be saved, according to Paul (Romans 11:26). “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.” The strait gate and the narrow way mean the way of eternal life, the way of salvation, the gate or entrance to the Kingdom. In both places, entrance through the narrow gate is limited to only a small group of people. . The Narrow Door (Luke 13:24) The goal is the door, Greek thyra, "door, a passage for entering a structure, entrance, doorway, gate." Who it was that asked this question, or what his views therein were, we are not particularly in|formed. We listen, we watch, and wait for your word. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Several great “gold-winning” feats are performed, and then, in the last few frames, the face of a “dreamer” is cleverly superimposed over the body of the great athlete. Striving To Enter the Narrow Gate Homily on the 21st Sunday of Year C (Luke 13:22-30) August 22 2010 EVERY time national elections come, we hear of almost the same issues: eradication of poverty, concentration of wealth in the hands of a few cronies of the administration, eradication of graft and corruption, increasing crime rate, etc. (Fig … A convicting sermon jam by Paul Washer explaining that the evidence of salvation is a constant walk of holiness and righteousness. ( Log Out /  The Official Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints Website. The narrow gate appears also in Matthew 7:13, only there it is an outside gate (πυλης — pulēs) while here it is the entrance to the house, “the narrow … The Cost of Discipleship – Luke 14:24 -35. STRIVE to enter in at the strait gate.— THESE are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, occasioned by a question that was proposed to him in the following terms: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" By contrast, Jesus says that “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” What exactly is meant by this? Help us to speak your truth openly in kindness. Pride and self-sufficiency lead us to attempt to make our own path to Heaven. To reflect on Matthew’s story of Jesus, the Rich Man, and the narrow gate, and to learn more about how to get through “the eye of the needle,” visit The Narrow Gate page on this blog at: https://thenoontimes.com/the-narrow-gate/, Learn more about Petra at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra, Images from: http://kinsmanredeemer.com/articles/eye-needle and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra, Posted in Comparing Scripture, Web site included | Tagged inversion, the first will be last | Leave a Comment. Not everyone can go through the narrow gate. This Sunday's Gospel informs us that Jesus himself was once asked this question. Jesus said that many will travel the broad gate to destruction ... but few will enter the narrow gate to Heaven. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. USER GUIDE: Google, Apple, … . Chapter 33: The Narrow Gate Brian Schwertley Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Mt. Mass Readings. (Luke 13:23) “That is not what you ought to concern yourself about” said Jesus to the man who questioned him. How narrow is the narrow gate? Put your mind on your life with God. We move toward Jerusalem as we learn to fit ourselves through the narrow gate of The Way. We seek your understanding and we yearn for our completion in you. The Gospel of Luke tells reminds us that the gate is narrow precisely because it is in the very shape of Jesus Himself, and entrance through the gate involves conformity to his state of being. What is the eternal destiny of those who have never heard of Christ? Perhaps we are so occupied with examining the faults of others that we close our eyes tightly against the clarity of Christ’s response. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says he is the gate and whoever enters through him will be saved (John 10:9). Is there an age of accountability in the Bible? Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The path of love is traveled by taking up one’s cross every day. Sermon on Luke 13.24 | Why is it a narrow gate of conversion to Christ? Just how … Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: The World English Bible translates the passage as: Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. Jesus compares the narrow gate to the “broad road” which leads to destruction (hell) and says that “many” will be on that road. In your mercy, guide us. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. There's no indication that the latecomers can see the host, but are probably talking through a solid door. A turnstile allows one person entrance at a time and with no extra baggage. Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me, cannot be my disciple. LUKE XIII. Entering the “narrow gate” also means that we listen to God. Jesus was describing the pathway to life—true, eternal life—as something requiring effort and focus to enter. During the Olympic Games the television network has run a beer commercial that causes us to smile. Guide us in living that life in gratitude to you. A narrow gate is harder to pass through than one that is wide, and only a few people can go through a narrow gate at once. We strive to enter the narrow gate for the same reason we strive or hasten to enter his rest (Heb 4:11). We, who have been saved by your love, gather all that we are as booty to be taken in by you. ( Log Out /  The kindred word αγωνια — agōnia occurs of Christ‘s struggle in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). Study, search, mark, and share gospel content, including scriptures, general conference talks, manuals, music, media, and more. This has caused concern among modern readers, many of whom wonder how narrow is the narrow gate? The images of the "Narrow Gate" in Matthew 7:13-14 and the "Narrow Door" in Luke 13:22-30 are unique because they provide a readily understandable conceptual link between discipleship and soteriology: i.e., the narrow gate/door, like a salvific sieve, defines who and how one enters into the eternal life promised by Christ. Lead us in the life of charity that Jesus shows us; lead us in the life of love to which the Spirit calls us. Jesus clearly tells us here that the invitation to the feast is the narrow gate that admits the last first and the first last. Only a relatively small number of people ever even set foot on that path. Bright and beautiful God, you are so patient with us as we flutter in your hands, wanting to be near you yet insisting on our independence. Answer: The narrow gate, also called the narrow door, is referred to by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24. Just, yet merciful God who sees and knows all, we return our lives to you. There is a question that has always nagged believers: Will there be many or few people saved? During certain periods this problem became so acute as to cause some people terrible anxiety. With profound wisdom, Jesus demonstrates The Great Reversal, urging us through the narrowest of doors. The Narrow Gate of Commitment. Matthew 7:13 down through 27. It is tight to get through and this is the point that Jesus is making. 24. . Change ). Learn how your comment data is processed. When Jesus’ followers protest that surely they will be on Jesus’ guest list, he reminds them – and us – that although they believe they have known him all their lives . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Christian Truth. Luke 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 12:49-53 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." But this path is never the correct one. (Luke 13:23) The Lord responded saying, "Strive to enter by the narrow door," and here in this section we see that same teaching being repeated in a slightly different manner. With immense patience, Jesus teaches moves toward Jerusalem, teaching us what we need to know. Good and gracious God, you are so merciful in your forgiveness, allowing us to find our way, never leaving our side and always welcoming us home. Lead us in the practice of your “new teaching”. . Perfect and holy God, you give us the gift of life, and you call us to discover our present as the fusion of our past and future. ( Log Out /  As we work for justice, we must let God worry about God’s business while we examine our willingness to bend. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! It is too low for pride, which will not come down from its high horse to enter on foot like a beggar, or like a little child. Anxious and Troubled About Many Things - Luke 10 Show Notes; Support The Show Here. Nothing that is profaned by sin will be in that Kingdom—the Holy Mountain of God. With intense compassion, Jesus invites us to eternal peace, showing us The Way through the slenderest of gates. Guide us to be honest without damaging others. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Be with us always as we walk in your light. 15 likes. 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? 15:24). Contextual Overview 12 Whatsoever things, therefore, ye would, that men be doing unto you, so, be, ye also, doing, unto them, - for, this, is the law and the prophets. Open your Bible to Matthew 7, Matthew 7, and I will read for you a very familiar and very important portion of Scripture. Verse Concepts. 13:22 – What had Jesus been teaching? “Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. Jesus taught about the narrow gate in both Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention”. It takes effort because walking by faith doesn’t come naturally to us. How do we come to know Jesus better so that we do not find ourselves out in the cold, watching as outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south to sit down at the table of God’s kingdom?