DAY #117: Luke 13:23-14:6

The question about whether only a few or many people would be saved was a topic of debate and much speculation among the rabbis. Jesus refused to be drawn into taking a side in this argument; instead, he urged his listeners to be among those who would be saved, no matter what the final number might be. Just listening to Jesus’ words or admiring his miracles is not enough—all must turn from sin and trust in God for salvation. Regardless of how many would be saved, Jesus said that many will try to enter, but it will be too late. The time for decision would pass them by.

When the door is shut and they are sent away, there will be intense sorrow (weeping and gnashing of teeth). Jesus pictured them looking in the windows at the ancestors on whom they had depended for their salvation—the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They will also see all the prophets, many of whom had been slain for speaking God’s messages. These men had not had the opportunity to see the Messiah, but they had loved God, believed his promises, and trusted that he would accomplish what he said. Thus, they received places in the Kingdom. By contrast, many of these Jewish people, who did have the opportunity to eat and drink with and then listen to the teachings of the Messiah himself, subsequently rejected him. For such rejection they would be thrown out of the Kingdom.

The Pharisees were on the move against Jesus. They thought that telling Jesus of Herod’s plan would cause Jesus to be afraid and run. Herod Antipas had killed John the Baptist. But, Jesus’ life, work, and death were not to be determined by Herod or the Pharisees. His life was planned and directed by God himself, and his mission would unfold in God’s time and according to God’s plan.

Jesus was hardly going to run in fear of Herod; in fact, the message he sent to him was filled with contempt, calling Herod that fox. Jesus clearly explained that Herod would have absolutely no control over Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus would continue doing miracles until the day when he would accomplish his purpose. Jesus knew that he must proceed on in his ministry until the very moment appointed for his death.

Jerusalem had a history of rejecting God’s prophets, and it would reject the Messiah just as it had rejected his forerunners. Thus Jesus mourned for the city. Jesus’ emotional words reveal his compassion and love for the people to whom he had come. Like a mother hen who protects her chicks beneath her wings, Jesus would have gathered and protected his people.

Knowing what the Pharisees were thinking, Jesus asked them a question that had caused friction between him and them before, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” The religious leaders refused to answer Jesus’ question. Because they knew Jesus would heal the man and because they were hoping to use it against him. So Jesus touched the sick man that was before Him and healed him and sent him away. Jesus explained that when it served their purposes, these religious leaders did work on the Sabbath. They could go pull a son or a cow out of a pit if need be, but they were ready to condemn Jesus for touching a man and healing him from a disease. Jesus pointed this out to them, but they had no answer.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

The narrow door is a reminder that there are NOT many roads to the mountain top (heaven) - there is one way. Jesus said -

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6 (NIV)

Lord, bring people into my life today that I can witness to. Bring people into my life that i can share with today - really everyday. Make me aware of the people around me who don't know you and give me compassion for them. Give me courage to invite them and befriend them and love them. Give the people of COV a similar heart. Break our hearts - grieve our hearts with those who don't know you.