Luke 13:24

"One said to him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” He said to them,"

Key Reflection

The disciple's question in Luke 13:24 reflects a common concern of many at the time—how many people would actually be saved. Jesus responds by drawing an evocative image, suggesting that salvation is like entering through a narrow door. This metaphor underscores the idea that entry into the kingdom of heaven requires a personal and deliberate choice, much like squeezing through a narrow entrance. The cultural context of first-century Judaism might compare this to the strict regulations for temple worship or the concept of the "narrow way" leading to life, as emphasized in the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 4:26).

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 24. Strive. Literally, agonize. The word is taken from the Grecian Games. In their races, and wrestlings, and various athletic exercises, they strove or agonized, or put forth all their powers to gain the victory. Thousands witnessed them. They were long trained for the conflict, and the honour of victory was one of the highest honours among the people. So Jesus says that we should strive to enter in; and he means by it that we should be diligent, be active, be earnest; that we should make it our first and chief business to overcome our sinful propensities, and to endeavour to enter into heaven.

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