Connect Luke 13:23 with Matthew 7:13-14 on the narrow path. Context of the Passages - Luke 13 records Jesus teaching on His final journey to Jerusalem. Someone asks, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (v. 23). - Matthew 7 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus contrasts true and false disciples. - In both settings, Jesus confronts superficial religion and calls listeners to decisive, wholehearted faith. Key Texts Luke 13:23-24—“‘Lord,’ someone asked Him, ‘will only a few be saved?’ Jesus told them, ‘Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.’” Matthew 7:13-14—“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Shared Themes: Narrowness, Urgency, Decision - Same imagery: “narrow door/gate,” singular path to life. - Same warning: the majority remain on the broad road. - Same call: personal action—“Make every effort” (Luke), “Enter” (Matthew). - Same result: life for the few, destruction for the many (cf. John 3:36). What Makes the Path Narrow? 1. Only one Savior • John 14:6—Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” • Acts 4:12—No other name by which we must be saved. 2. Repentance and faith, not works or heritage • Luke 13:25-27 exposes those who presume on proximity to Jesus without obedience. • Romans 10:9-10 highlights heart-level confession and belief. 3. Costly discipleship • Luke 9:23—“Take up your cross daily.” • Matthew 16:24-26—Gain life by losing it. 4. Holy living empowered by the Spirit • Galatians 5:16-25 contrasts flesh and Spirit, echoing broad vs. narrow. • Hebrews 12:14—Pursue holiness “without which no one will see the Lord.” The Wide Gate Today - Cultural relativism: “many paths to God.” - Nominal Christianity: church attendance without surrender. - Self-made righteousness: trusting morality, philanthropy, or tradition (cf. Isaiah 64:6). - Indulgent lifestyle: “follow your heart” (cf. Proverbs 14:12). Walking the Narrow Way Daily - Continual reliance on Christ’s finished work (Galatians 2:20). - Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). - Consistent intake of Scripture (Psalm 119:105). - Fellowship with committed believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Obedience empowered by grace (Titus 2:11-14). - Readiness to endure rejection (2 Timothy 3:12). Assurance and Hope on the Path - Though the gate is narrow, the invitation is open to all (Revelation 22:17). - The Good Shepherd goes before His sheep (John 10:4). - God keeps those who enter: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6). - The destination is sure: “In My Father’s house are many rooms” (John 14:2). |
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