As Jesus continued teaching on the way to Jerusalem, someone posed a difficult question: "Are only a few people going to be saved?" People who ask this may assume they are one of the saved and have lists of reasons why others are not. But Jesus was not interested in joining in speculation about others. Instead, Jesus' answer makes us consider our own condition and destiny: "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

What is required to enter the door? Jesus likens it to a homeowner who, after settling all the family inside, gets up to lock the door. At that time, simple association will not produce an invitation inside. Indeed, many who heard his teachings and had meals with Jesus, would be left outside. We cannot remain on the fence. Like the Patriarchs and Prophets, we must decide to live by faith. Many who seemed to be "first", would in fact be last, while the last will be first. This is why it is so important, as Jesus tells us, to make every effort. Not that we save ourselves, but that we seek to live in conformity with God's direction for us, to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (Php 3:12).


Application: Father, thank you opening the narrow door to relationship with you through Jesus. Help me not take this for granted but enter your presence daily.
One Word: Appreciate the grace of God