The Story of Jesus Are There Few That Be Saved? (Lesson 84)
Introduction:
1. By searching the Scriptures, as Jesus taught in John 5:39, we can grow in our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18). 2. In this lesson we are concentrating on the information found in Luke 13:22-30 with emphasis on the question found in vs.23: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" 3. As we study the Lord's answer to this question, let us first examine . . .
Discussion:
I. THE SETTING IN WHICH THIS QUESTION WAS ASKED (vs.22-23)
A. We learn from vs.22 that Jesus was traveling "toward Jerusalem." 1. Jesus knew what would happen to Him in Jerusalem (Luke 18:31-33). 2. As He went through cities and villages, Jesus took advantage of opportunities to teach. B. According to vs.23, someone asked Jesus a question. 1. We do not know who asked it, and we do not know where or why it was asked. 2. Someone, somewhere, and for some reason asked, "Lord, are there few that be saved?"
II. ON THIS OCCASION, JESUS DID NOT ANSWER THIS QUESTION DIRECTLY
A. Jesus did, however, answer it directly on another occasion (Matthew 7:13-14). 1. Jesus said very clearly that "few" will find eternal life. 2. He also said that "many" will go to eternal destruction. B. To answer the question asked in Luke 13:23, relatively speaking, only a few will be saved (Matthew 7:13-14). 1. Anyone can be among the few if he so desires and is willing to comply with the Lord's will. 2. In Luke 13, rather than answer the question directly, . . .
III. JESUS TOLD THOSE PRESENT WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED
A. Jesus said, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate" (vs.24). B. Strive: to agonize, to contend, to struggle. C. Illustrations: 1. To be successful, an athlete must "strive" (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). 2. Jesus provided the greatest example of striving or agonizing (Luke 22:39-44). D. To be among the few who will find eternal life, we must strive and agonize to enter in at the strait gate and travel the narrow way. 1. Perhaps this will help us more fully appreciate the instructions that relate to: a. seeking God's kingdom first (Luke 12:31; Matthew 6:33) b. self-denial and cross-bearing (Luke 9:23; 14:27) c. working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). 2. Jesus went on to say that . . .
IV. MANY WILL SEEK TO ENTER, BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE
A. They will not be able to enter because they were not willing to "strive." B. These people will not like their reward at the judgment. 1. When the door is shut they will knock and cry: "Lord, Lord, open unto us." 2. The Lord will say to them: "I know you not whence ye are." 3. They will continue by saying, "We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets." 4. The Lord will respond by saying, "I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity." 5. These people will be condemned to a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth." C. The few will hear some special words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:21). D. An eternal home in heaven is worth paying the price to strive to enter in at the strait gate.
