How should Luke 13:23 influence our evangelism efforts today? Setting the scene in Luke 13:23 “Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few be saved?” (Luke 13:23) What this question reveals • People instinctively sense that salvation is not automatic. • They also recognize that Jesus Himself defines who is saved. • The moment sets the stage for Jesus’ call to “enter through the narrow door” (v. 24). Core truths that shape our evangelism • Salvation is exclusive in source—only through Christ (John 14:6). • Salvation is inclusive in offer—“whoever believes” (John 3:16). • The window of opportunity is limited; one day the door closes (Luke 13:25). • Eternal destinies are at stake; apathy is unloving (Ezekiel 33:7-9). Implications for our message • Proclaim the urgency: “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Present the whole gospel—sin, substitutionary atonement, resurrection, repentance, and faith (Acts 2:38-39). • Emphasize personal response; crowds do not enter the kingdom as a unit (Matthew 7:13-14). • Avoid soft-pedaling truth to gain acceptance; love speaks plainly (Galatians 1:10). Practical steps for today 1. Pray specifically for open doors (Colossians 4:3-4). 2. Build genuine relationships that earn a hearing (1 Thessalonians 2:8). 3. Share Scripture verbally and in writing—God’s Word carries its own authority (Hebrews 4:12). 4. Include a clear call to repent and believe, just as Jesus did (Mark 1:15). 5. Follow up with discipleship; conversion is the start, not the finish (Matthew 28:19-20). 6. Trust God for results—He alone gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Encouragement when the road feels narrow • God “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). • The gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). • Our labor is never in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Living it out Because the question “Will only a few be saved?” still echoes, we speak, serve, and intercede with compassionate urgency, trusting the Spirit to draw many through the narrow door while there is time. |
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