Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 13:22-25
22 Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”
He replied, 24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
22 Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”
He replied, 24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
Commentary:
13:22 He went on his way … teaching (cf. 4:15, 31–32, 43–44) and journeying toward Jerusalem. Cf. 9:51–53.
13:23 Jesus’ response to the question—will those who are saved be few?—does not speculate on God’s plans and actions but states what individuals should do to be “saved.” For a similar question, cf. 18:26.
13:24 To be “saved,” one should strive to enter through the narrow door. This involves repentance (vv. 3, 5) and faith (8:12). For many … will seek to enter and will not be able. There will eventually be a time when the opportunity to trust in Christ will be taken away.
13:25–26 The second warning and analogy has to do with entering the house (i.e., the kingdom of God, v. 28) and warns that people may be shut out by the Lord (Jesus).
13:23 Jesus’ response to the question—will those who are saved be few?—does not speculate on God’s plans and actions but states what individuals should do to be “saved.” For a similar question, cf. 18:26.
13:24 To be “saved,” one should strive to enter through the narrow door. This involves repentance (vv. 3, 5) and faith (8:12). For many … will seek to enter and will not be able. There will eventually be a time when the opportunity to trust in Christ will be taken away.
13:25–26 The second warning and analogy has to do with entering the house (i.e., the kingdom of God, v. 28) and warns that people may be shut out by the Lord (Jesus).
Study Questions:
- The Kingdom of God is INCLUSIVE but also EXCLUSIVE. This Kingdom is no longer just for the nation of Israel. All are invited. But scripture tells us that the road to true life in Jesus is narrow, and few will find it. The road to destruction, however, is wide and there are many on it. The door to the Kingdom is also narrow, and one day it will be locked forever. A time is coming when it will be too late. Does this make you feel any urgency to make sure people you love have responded to God's gift of grace? Who do you need to share his love with today?
- Our culture get's it wrong. They see God and his commands as repressive, like a prison. But God's heart is to have a relationship with his children, to protect and bless them. What seems like restriction to some actually leads to a life of the joy and blessing of the Kingdom. True freedom and joy are found in your submission to the King! How have you experienced this in your own life? What are some ways that your submission to Jesus has resulted in joy in your life and kept you from the pain that some around you might have experienced through their brand of "freedom?"
Pray:
- That you would lead everyone you know through the narrow door.
- That you would seek true joy and freedom through submission to God.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
6. Is the Bible God’s Word? Jesus proved He is God by rising from the dead and said the Old Testament was God’s Word and gave authority to the Apostles to write the words of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so that all the words of the Bible are God’s Word.
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
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