The Narrow Door

As we read this text Jesus seems to cover many different topics. But every word in these verses concerns “the narrow door.” If it seems there are many different topics the Jesus presents here, there are but read these verses knowing all relate to the “narrow door.”

As we read ask, how do the things Jesus talks about connect with the narrow door?

“He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come 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 where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.””

Luke 13:22-30

If you have heard things from the Bible, perhaps you’ve heard what Jesus has said of how we get to heaven. In these verses He uses the metaphor of a narrow door. Think of the way to heaven as a narrow door…. maybe its like- turn sideways to pass through. Narrow doors are not easy to enter.

The Apostle John did see a door open in heaven. We read about it in Revelation 4:1. When Jesus says the doorway is narrow…that’s what it is.  A part of the narrowness is the fact that there is only one way to enter.

We’ve talked about it before in God’s Word Texted. Jesus is the narrow door. To believe in Jesus you and I must be sorry for our sins-the word is repent. Jesus made things very clear He is the Door when He said these words:

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6  

There is no other way to heaven. This explains what Jesus means when He speaks of the narrow door.

Some find this offensive…it’s too limiting.

Some are offended by Jesus words.

Some feel backed into a corner…they don’t like to be told what to do…repentance offends.

There are those who find offense at the limitation…there is one way…why can’t there be many ways?

Others think they will lose too much by believing…(But wait, how can anyone who gains heaven lose?)

Right now, in spite of all the naysayers, may this truth set both you and me free:

Jesus is the way to heaven. He is the “Door.”

Yes, the door to heaven is narrow. View this as a good thing. It clarifies the truth. The narrow door makes things simple… all who believe in Jesus fit through with ease!