Jesus Again Heads For Jerusalem

SOON Jesus is on the road again, teaching from city to city and from village to village. Evidently he is in the district of Perea, across the Jordan River from Judea. But his final destination is Jerusalem.

The Jewish philosophy that only a limited number will merit salvation is what perhaps prompts a man to ask: "Lord, are those who are being saved few?" With his answer, Jesus forces the people to think of what is needed for salvation: "Exert yourselves vigorously [that is, struggle, or agonize] to get in through the narrow door."

Such vigorous effort is urgent "because many," Jesus continues, "will seek to get in but will not be able." Why will they not be able? He explains that 'once the householder has got up and locked the door and people stand outside and knock, saying, "Sir, open to us," he will say: "I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!"

The ones locked out apparently come at a time convenient only to themselves. But by then the door of opportunity is shut and bolted. To get in, they should have come earlier, even though it may then have been inconvenient to do so. Indeed, a sad outcome awaits those who put off making the worship of Jehovah their chief purpose in life!

The Jews to whom Jesus is sent to minister have, for the most part, failed to seize their marvelous opportunity of accepting God's provision for salvation. So Jesus says they will weep and gnash their teeth when they are thrown outside. On the other hand, people from "eastern parts and western, and from north and south," yes, from all nations, "will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God."



Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Again Heads For Jerusalem

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991