Good News
The Narrow Gate
by Shevanthi Kanaganayagam
The Narrow Gate
by Shevanthi Kanaganayagam
The Author with her husband James K |
The
God of the Bible says that the way is narrow (Matthew 7:19). He
declares that many are called (invited), but few chosen (Matt.22:14.
Some Christians find this narrowness a difficulty. We would like to think of God in terms of grading us for our good ness. Of course we expect to be graded against a Hitler not a Mother Theresa.
The parable of the narrow door found in Luke 13:22- 30 is part of the long collection of narratives and teachings that took place as Jesus made His way to Jerusalem for the last time. As Jesus taught, it was inevitable that someone would ask “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23). The Jewish people thought that their genetic tie to Abraham would secure them a place in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ teachings were contrary to this thought. Jesus clearly taught that those who thought their position was secure needed to look again at the criteria for membership.
Jesus’ answer showed the listeners that they were not asking the right questions. Rather than asking how many would be in the kingdom, they should be discovering what they must do to be included in the kingdom.
Ad Jesus began to answer the question He admonished his listeners to strive to enter through the narrow door (Luke 13:24). The word used her for strive is whole hearted effort. Involvement of soul, mind and body. In other words Jesus was saying that no one will enter the kingdom hanging on the coattails of his or genetic origin. Sure salvation is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9), but God does not drop it in on sinners who don’t want it.
Once the owner of the house closes the door, the opportunity for entrance is over (Luke. 13: 25-30) God is not capricious. He is long suffering and merciful. The illustrations in Luke 13: 34,35 depicts it. But once the door closes, entrance is no longer possible.
Pic. Credit: sxc.hu |
The final paragraph of the parable describes the severe results of rejecting Christ (Luke. 13: 28-30). “The weeping and wailing indicate an inconsolable grief. The gnashing of the teeth express the ultimate anger and frustration” (Leon Morris). The people had missed their only hope and they could never regain it.
Today the parable still speaks a warning to those who reject the truth of Christ. It also warns those who have been listening carelessly with a false assurance of belonging to God. Toady is the day of salvation, so lets go out and proclaim the Good News that, “Jesus is the only way, the truth and life.” CL
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Source:
Confident Living Magazine, Secunderabad India
Originally published in the Guidelines Magazine, Sri Lanka.
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Very good article--we need to believe that the way is narrow and not take our salvation for granted. Yes, you may use my pictures in an article if you would like-I would be pleased. Take care. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mickie,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for the compliment and the thought provoking comment, and for the offer, will come back to you soon with more info on this line.
best
Phil