Luke 13
"[Jesus] 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, Isaac, 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
Jesus' teaching here conflicts with two primary beliefs of modern man. Modern man believes there is no life after death, no future kingdom. So if we want a kingdom, we have to establish it ourselves in this life. Modern man also believes that even if there is an afterlife, or heaven, there are many ways to get there. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Catholics, Christians, and atheists may all enter heaven, provided they have been good enough persons. There are many broad doors to heaven, not just one narrow one.
We are left with a dilemma here. Who is right, modern man or Jesus?
In other passages, Jesus clearly says he himself is the narrow door.
"I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I Am, you will die in your sins." - John 8:24
"Jesus said to [Thomas], 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6
To enter the future kingdom of God, it is not enough for us to know about Jesus, to go to church, or to read the Bible. Jesus has to know us personally. He has to have had a previous relationship with us. The only we can have a relationship with him is by believing in him. He is the narrow door because he is God's only Son. He was the only one qualified to die on our behalf, and he rose from the dead on the third day. He is the one who as defeated sin and death.
Father, I pray for those who want to go to your future kingdom but who don't understand that Jesus is the only way to get there. Help them to realise that the door is narrow, so that they don't miss out. Because time is running out, please act in their lives quickly so that they are made aware that Jesus is the exclusive way to your kingdom. Cut through the noise, Father, and bring people face to face with the truth. In Yeshua's name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman