IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Enter Through the Narrow Door

Date: May. 31, 2017

Passage

Luke 13:22-30  (ESV)

22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 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.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 13:24

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

1. Make every effort (22-25)

Jesus taught in the villages as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him if only a few people were going to be saved. Jesus didn't say how many. He said many would try and not be able to. When the owner closes the door, no pleading will get them in. The time to respond will not always be available. Jesus said, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door." This door is not easy or popular to enter through. It is narrow and requires every effort. Following Jesus is not easy or popular.

2. The last will be first (26-30)

Just hanging around Christians or going to church or attending a Bible study doesn't automatically make one a Christian (26-27). We need a personal relationship with Christ through faith. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob struggled to live by faith. They will feast in heaven. Those thrown out will weep and gnash their teeth. People from all over the world who knew Christ will also feast in the kingdom of God. Heaven will have some surprising reversals, with the last being first and the first being last.

Prayer: Lord, help me to make every effort against my easy-going, pop culture spirit to follow you with repentance, faith and obedience.

One Word: Make every effort to know Jesus

Daily Bread

In the Eyes of the Lord

2 Kings 15:17-38

Key Verse: 15:34

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

Read More

Intro Daily