Narrow door or narrow-minded? In a culture that says ”you do you” and “it's all good,” and where truth appears relative and like shifting sand, the words of Jesus sound exclusive. How do you read them? As we rehearse the Gospel, what do we remember? What do we rehearse with those around us? Has the Lord given you eyes to see a few who are seeking? Are you courageous enough to trust Jesus to lead you and guide you to those who want to meet him?

James 4.8a says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” God desires each to be saved. Are we striving to find Him, are we striving to enter?

We also remember the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. God sent Philip, whisked him through the Holy Spirit into the presence of this seeking, striving to “see” God, person. With the scriptures open to Isaiah 53, Philip shared the way with another. What is keeping us from being available to point others to the narrow door?

[Luke 13.22-24]

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.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ After healing a woman on the Sabbath in 13.10 and talking about the fruitfulness of a mustard seed and potency of leaven in a positive way, Jesus “then went.” Where was Jesus journeying as we enter Luke 13.22? What was He doing AS HE WAS GOING, according to the same verse?

+ Why might someone have asked the question in v. 23?

+ Would prejudices, pride, ignorance, or insecurity lead someone to ask it? How might you respond to this very same question...people are asking it!

+ How does Jesus respond? Does this answer satisfy you or another? Why or why not?

+ Does it leave you or another asking, “How should I strive?” The NIV translates the word striving, “make every effort.”

+ What effort can we as believers make as we pursue Jesus? What effort has Jesus already done on our behalf?

+ Are you or any in your purview striving? If it is genuine...what can you expect to happen?

+ Many might not enter, but some will. What or who secures their ability to go through the narrow door?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Am I striving to enter the narrow door, the Kingdom of God, or am I striving to succeed in this world?

+ Am I wondering if I am one of the few or am I convinced?

+ The scripture points to Jesus teaching! Am I seeking through the Scripture this intimate relationship with Jesus today, seeking to listen and obey His teaching?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How has Jesus been discipling you and I personally in this passage?

+ As you soak in God’s power, love, and mercy in His Word, how will it affect your assurance? How might you assure those around you of God’s way and life and truth?

+ Who do you see “striving to enter through the narrow door?” Do you have words for them like Phillip did? Why or why not?