Never to Late to be Saved. (Luke 13: 22-35)
Mainly many years ago when I was a very young man growing up in Northern Ireland, evangelists were very popular in those days. I think their popularity is sort of faded today. On one occasion I can remember an evangelist saying something like this.
“Some people cross the line and once they crossed that line it is impossible for them to be saved”. The bible story he used to illustrate that point was Noah and the ark and he shut the door and once the door was shut you couldn't get in.
That was a definitely a great motivation for people to get right with God and people were indeed saved on that night.
But I always wondered is there any place else in the scripture that says such a thing explicitly.
Well, as I have been going through the gospel of Luke, we have bumped into a passage that oddly enough addresses this very question and even talks about a shut door of all things.
So, I would like to address this question from the scripture, and I believe there's also some very practical lessons here for us. So, when you turn with me to Luke chapter 13 where I'm going to begin reading with verse 22. (3 Sections)
The Narrow Door
22 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.’
(Luke 13: 22-25)
This passage commences by informing us that Jesus is en route to Jerusalem. I've previously mentioned in the Gospel of Luke that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, but in this particular section, he is actively journeying towards it.
What initially catches my attention is the fact that it states in the first verse. "He went through the cities and villages teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem."
What grabbed my attention is that, as he made his way to Jerusalem, he wasn't taking a direct route; instead, he was teaching along the way. What impresses me is that he was teaching in both cities and villages.
The point I believe of stating this in this way is because Luke wanted to say that the size of the crowd did not matter to him. Whether it was a small village or a large town, he stopped to teach and preach. So, Jesus, on his journey to Jerusalem, made stops at every opportunity he got, without being concerned about the size of the crowd.
Moving on to verse 23, someone is seen to raise the question, saying, "Lord, are there only a few who are going to be saved?" This question sets the stage for the rest of the passage. Implicit in this query is a debate that was prevalent in ancient Israel among the scribes – are only Jews going to be saved, or will Gentiles also find salvation?
The Jews considered themselves God's chosen people, and while they believed in their own salvation, they questioned whether the Gentiles had a chance. By the way, even the Old Testament, definitely indicate that Gentiles will be part of the Kingdom.
Examining verse 23 again, we see that one person in the crowd asks the question, but Jesus responds to the entire crowd.
Verse 24 presents a profound statement: " Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, , because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."
Jesus, in his response to the question about the number of people to be saved, transforms the inquiry into something intensely practical. Rather than offering a straightforward answer to the speculative question, he directs the crowd to take personal responsibility for their own salvation.
The call to "strives and make every effort" doesn't imply salvation by self-effort or a meticulous adherence to a particular lifestyle. Instead, it suggests contending for the prize and struggling for the means to enter the Kingdom of God.
It's an encouragement to earnestly seek the legitimate means of entering, as many will attempt to gain heaven through illegitimate ways and find themselves unable.
Almost immediately Jesus introduces another illustration – that of a shut door. The master of the house rises and shuts the door, and those outside knock, pleading to be let in. However, the response is chilling: "I do not know you, or where you come from." This vivid image conveys a sense of finality, emphasizing that there comes a point when attempting to gain entry is futile.
The illustration of a shut door underscores the urgency of seeking salvation before it's too late.
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!’
28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
(Luke 13: 26-30)
The implied line, marking the point of no return, is hinted at in verse 26. The Lord's response, "I do not know you," suggests that there is a critical moment when personal acquaintance with the Lord is either established or lost.
The urgency is clear – one must strive to enter through the narrow gate before the door is shut.
In verse 27, Jesus continues to illustrate the consequences of not entering through the narrow gate. The individuals in question, facing rejection, start to present their defence and their excuses: "We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets." I
However, there's an implicit understanding that there is a definitive line, a point of no return.
Looking ahead to verse 28, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the aftermath: "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves are thrust out." This imagery suggests a realization of missed opportunities and the sorrow that accompanies it.
This is reflected in the phrase "cast/thrust/thrown out." The urgency is emphasized, hinting that there's a time when it becomes impossible to enter. The line however, as mentioned earlier, I believe is only crossed when one dies without knowing Jesus Christ.
Verse 29 continues the dialogue, with the rejected ones offering excuses, however, Jesus responds unequivocally in verse 27, “I do not know you, or where you are from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity."
Jesus in his reply underscores the critical point that salvation is not a matter of merely doing things but is rooted in knowing Him personally.
The departure from His presence is accompanied by a declaration, draw from Psalm 6:8, "Depart from me, you workers of iniquity," signifying that they were never cleansed from their sins and, consequently, were not known by Him.
This reaffirms the emphasis on the personal relationship with Jesus and repentance as the key to salvation.
In verse 28, Jesus foretells a future scene of sorrow and regret: "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, and yet you are cast out."
The imagery indicates a time after their deaths, where they witness the presence of revered figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom. The weeping and gnashing of teeth signify frustration, disappointment, and a deep sense of grief.
This poignant scene underscores the gravity of their missed opportunity, as it seem these guys believed their lineage to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob guaranteed them a place in the Kingdom. Jesus deliberately contrasts their exclusion with the presence of these patriarchs, emphasizing that their attempt to enter by means of association was in vain.
Verse 29 reinforces the inclusivity of the Kingdom: "And they will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the Kingdom of God."
This statement points to the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles, symbolized by people coming from various directions. The emphasis is clear – people from all corners of the world, i.e. both Jews and Gentiles because that is what it could only mean at that time, will be part of the Kingdom.
In stark contrast, Jesus drives home the finality of the situation for those he is addressing: "But you, the people I'm talking to right now, it will be too late, I never knew you."
The message is clear – personal knowledge of Jesus, and a genuine personal relationship with Him, is the key to entering the Kingdom. Their failure to grasp this truth results in the tragic consequence of being thrust out, while others, Jews, and Gentiles alike, will partake in the Kingdom.
An appendix in verse 31 introduces Pharisees who appear to be warning Jesus about Herod's threat.
31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you; you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
(Luke 13: 31-35)
This event, though seemingly disconnected, is linked to the preceding discussion, emphasizing the opposition Jesus faced.
The Pharisees' advice to leave town might indicate their own interest in getting rid of Jesus. The passage, therefore, weaves together warnings about salvation, the universal nature of the Kingdom, and the challenges Jesus faced from both political and religious opposition.
In this final section we are looking at today, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' warning about Herod's threat by displaying a resolute attitude. He refers to Herod as a "cunning fox" and dismisses any notion of yielding to fear.
Jesus then explains that he has three more days of work to complete before reaching the fulfilment of his mission in Jerusalem. He emphasizes that he won't be deterred by threats and that his mission will continue.
Jesus then alludes to the prophetic tradition of the faithful dying in Jerusalem, highlighting the city's notorious history of killing prophets. By saying "It cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem," he foreshadows his impending journey to Jerusalem, where he knows he will face persecution and ultimately be killed there.
So, the passage takes a final poignant turn as Jesus expresses his deep desire to gather the people of Jerusalem like a protective hen gathering her chicks.
This heartfelt plea reveals Jesus's compassion despite the imminent rejection and harm he anticipates. He laments the unwillingness of the people of Jerusalem to accept his message and protection.
This emotional appeal to Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the human responsibility in responding to God's offer of salvation. The passage connects with the broader theme of salvation, emphasizing that while many will be saved, some will choose not to embrace the offered protection and grace of God.
The passage carries theological weight as Jesus emphasizes human responsibility in responding to God's offer of salvation. He states plainly, "You were not willing," challenging the notion of irresistible grace, that suggests all will be saved.
Jesus counters by highlighting human agency in accepting or rejecting God's grace.
The passage concludes with a sobering message about judgment. Jesus asserts that people are given a gracious opportunity to be saved, but if they reject it due to their unwillingness to see their need of salvation, then judgment awaits.
The warning underscores the urgency of accepting salvation in the present, as the opportunity may be lost upon death.
In summary.
This passage underscores the urgency of responding to God's invitation to salvation. Jesus implores the crowd to strive to enter the narrow gate before it's too late, emphasizing the potential consequences of delay.
The phrase "you were not willing" serves as a poignant reminder of the element of free will and the gravity of rejecting God's grace.
The application for us as believers is clear, share the message of salvation with other people. The passage challenges Christians to actively engage in evangelism, recognizing the deadline that exists for those who have yet to even hear it.
In practical terms, the overarching message is a call to action, prompting believers to actively share the gospel message with those who have yet to hear it.
It is about seeking opportunities to talk to people about the Lord. We should be constantly looking for a way to present the gospel. Thereby opening the door to them at the place we find them standing today.