The Narrow Door and a Heart That Longs to Welcome (Luke 13:22-35)
As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, He taught crowds along the way. People were listening, curious about His message. One person asked a serious question: “Will only a few people be saved?”
It’s a question that still comes up today—and Jesus’ answer helps us see what really matters.
Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Door
Jesus didn’t give a number or a list of names. Instead, He gave a strong warning:
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.”
In other words, don’t wait around. Don’t assume you’ll have plenty of time later. The door to God’s kingdom is open now—but one day, it will be shut. When that happens, it will be too late to get in.
Jesus said that many will stand outside, knocking, saying, “But we were near You! We heard You teach!” But He’ll respond, “I don’t know you.”
Knowing about Jesus isn’t the same as knowing Him personally. He invites us into a real relationship, not just to be spectators in the crowd.
Surprises in the Kingdom
Jesus went on to say that some people will be surprised when they see others—people they never expected—entering God’s kingdom.
People from all over the world will come in, while some who thought they were first will be left out.
This is a powerful reminder: God’s invitation is for everyone, not just for people with a religious background or the “right” upbringing. What matters is how we respond to Jesus now—with faith and humility.
A Warning and a Loving Heart
Some religious leaders warned Jesus that King Herod wanted to kill Him. But Jesus wasn’t afraid. He knew His mission—to teach, to heal, and to give His life—would not be stopped.
Still, His heart was heavy.
He looked at Jerusalem, the city that had rejected so many of God’s messengers, and He wept. He said,
“How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings—but you were not willing.”
What a beautiful and tender image! Jesus wasn’t angry. He was heartbroken. His arms were open, but the people turned away.
An Open Door, But Not Forever
This passage reminds us that God is patient, but the invitation won’t last forever. The door is open now. Jesus wants us to come in. He’s not trying to keep people out—He’s calling them in with love and urgency.
But we have to choose. We can’t wait for a better time. We can’t rely on knowing about Him. We need to know Him—trusting Him, following Him, and letting Him gather us close.
Final Thought
Jesus is the narrow door—not narrow because He wants to exclude, but because there is only one way to find true life, peace, and hope: through Him.
And the best news? He wants you to come in.
Don’t wait at the edge. Don’t stand outside hoping the door stays open. Step in today. He’s ready to welcome you with open arms.
Luke 13:22-35 (WEB)
13:22 He went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and traveling on to Jerusalem. 23 One said to him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?”He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen up and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ then he will answer and tell you, ‘I don’t know you or 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 He will say, ‘I tell you, I don’t know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God’s Kingdom, and yourselves being thrown outside. 29 They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in God’s Kingdom. 30 Behold, there are some who are last who will be first, and there are some who are first who will be last.”31 On that same day, some Pharisees came, saying to him, “Get out of here and go away, for Herod wants to kill you.”32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission. 33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it can’t be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem.’34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you refused! 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”