Topical Encyclopedia In the Gospel of Luke, a moment of curiosity arises when a disciple poses a question to Jesus regarding the number of those who will be saved. This inquiry is recorded in Luke 13:23: "Someone asked Him, 'Lord, will only a few people be saved?'" . This question reflects a common human concern about the scope of salvation and the destiny of souls, a topic that has intrigued believers throughout the ages.The context of this question is significant. Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, teaching and journeying through towns and villages. His teachings often challenge prevailing assumptions and call for a deeper understanding of God's kingdom. The disciple's question may have been prompted by Jesus' earlier teachings, which emphasized the narrow path to salvation and the need for genuine repentance and faith. Jesus responds to the question not with a direct answer but with an exhortation: "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24). This response shifts the focus from a speculative curiosity about numbers to a personal call to action. Jesus emphasizes the importance of striving for entry into the kingdom, highlighting the urgency and personal responsibility involved in the pursuit of salvation. The imagery of the "narrow door" suggests exclusivity and difficulty, indicating that salvation is not a matter of mere association or heritage but requires earnest effort and commitment. Jesus' teaching here aligns with His broader message throughout the Gospels, where He often contrasts the wide and easy path leading to destruction with the narrow and challenging path leading to life (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). This passage also serves as a warning against complacency. Jesus continues in Luke 13:25-27, describing a scenario where many will seek entry after the door is closed, only to be turned away with the words, "I do not know where you are from" . This underscores the necessity of a genuine relationship with Christ, rather than relying on superficial connections or assumptions of automatic inclusion. The question of whether few will be saved is left unanswered in terms of numbers, but Jesus' response redirects the disciple's curiosity towards the essential matter of personal salvation. It is a call to examine one's own life, to ensure that one is truly following the path that leads to eternal life. This teaching encourages believers to focus on their own spiritual journey, to strive diligently, and to cultivate a sincere and active faith. In the broader biblical narrative, this passage resonates with themes of divine justice and mercy. While the path is narrow, the invitation to salvation is extended to all. The Apostle Paul echoes this in his letters, emphasizing that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 1:16-17). The call to "make every effort" is a reminder of the grace that empowers believers to pursue holiness and the assurance that those who seek earnestly will find the door open to them. Nave's Topical Index Luke 13:23Then said one to him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said to them, Nave's Topical Index Library Predestination and Calling Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. Chapter thirty With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received Christ's Discourses in Per??a - Close of the Per??an Ministry B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 The Woman which was a Sinner Book one in God's Searching Presence, Augustine Undertakes to ... Christ Crucified The Feast at Simon's House Resources Why doesn't GotQuestions.org give the names of the authors of its articles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about assertiveness? | GotQuestions.org Who was Isaac in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Curious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Curiosity of Abraham, to Know Whether God Would Destroy the Righteous People Who Lived in Sodom Curiosity of Angels, to Look Into the Mysteries of Salvation Curiosity of Daniel, to Know a Vision Curiosity of Herod (Antipas), to See Jesus Curiosity of Jacob, to Know the Name of the Angel Curiosity of Manoah, to Know the Name of an Angel Curiosity of the Athenians, to Hear some New Thing Curiosity of the Babylonians, to See Hezekiah's Treasures Curiosity of the Disciples, to Know Whether Jesus Would Restore the Kingdom of the Jews Curiosity of the People of Beth-Shemish, to Look Inside the Ark of the Covenant Curiosity: A Disciple, to Know If Few Would be Saved Curiosity: General Scriptures Concerning Curiosity: To Know What John Would be Appointed to Do Curiosity: To Know What Was Being Done With Jesus Curiosity: To See Lazarus, After he Was Raised from the Dead Curiosity: To Witness the offering in the Holy of Holies Related Terms |
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