What is the meaning of Luke 13:23? Lord • The questioner addresses Jesus as “Lord,” acknowledging His divine authority and right to speak on eternal matters (Luke 6:46; John 13:13). • Scripture presents Jesus not merely as teacher but as sovereign Judge (John 5:22–24). • Recognizing Him as Lord places the conversation on ultimate, eternal footing—salvation itself. someone asked Him • The inquiry is personal and direct, illustrating that anyone may bring honest questions to Christ (John 3:1–2; Mark 9:24). • Yet Jesus consistently turns curiosity into conviction, moving from abstract speculation to individual application (John 4:7–26). • The setting reminds us that salvation is discussed in real time with real people, emphasizing its relevance for every listener (2 Corinthians 6:2). will only a few people be saved? • The question reflects common first-century Jewish debate about the size of the redeemed remnant (Isaiah 10:22; Romans 9:27). • It assumes salvation is limited—raising whether scarcity is due to God’s unwillingness or human response (Matthew 22:14). • Jesus later clarifies that God desires all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) yet many refuse (John 5:40). • Underneath lies a warning against complacent cultural religion: lineage or association cannot replace genuine faith (Luke 3:8). Jesus answered “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24) • “Strive” speaks of earnest, continuous effort—responding wholeheartedly to God’s gracious call (Philippians 2:12–13). • “The narrow door” pictures Christ Himself (John 10:9; 14:6). Salvation is exclusive in source yet open to all who come His way. • “Many… will not be able” warns that good intentions, delay, or self-righteousness cannot secure entry (Matthew 7:21–23). • Verses 25-27 show a closed door once time runs out, underscoring urgency (Hebrews 9:27). • Verses 28-30 reveal great reversal: some first (privileged) become last, while outsiders from east and west recline with Abraham—salvation is by faith, not heritage (Romans 11:20; Ephesians 2:8–9). summary • Jesus shifts the focus from “How many?” to “Will you?” Salvation is personal. • Entry is through a single, narrow door—Christ alone—received by repentant faith. • God’s invitation is wide, but the window is finite; delaying risks eternal exclusion. • Religious familiarity cannot substitute for genuine relationship with the Lord. • The text calls every hearer to earnest, immediate response, confident that whoever enters by the Door will be saved (John 10:9). |
    |