The Narrow Way Home

The Narrow Way Home

The Gospel of Certainty

Luke 13:22-30

1. Enter while the door is . (vv. 22-24)

Salvation requires a personal , not just curiosity. 

The phrase, “make every effort,” (v. 24) is from the Greek word “agonizomai,” which gives us our English word “agonize.” 

Jesus is saying: “That’s the kind of effort I’m talking about – not because salvation is hard, but because it’s too important to !!”

“I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.”   John 10:9

Jesus doesn’t say these things to scare us;  He tells us hard things because He .

2. It’s not about being close to Jesus, it’s Him. (vv. 25-27)

“Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.”   Hebrews 9:27

Not everyone who thinks they belong to God .

How do we know if we’re really a Christian?

• • What do I love most now?
  • What matters most to me today?
  • What am I currently becoming?

Certain marks of a new life in Christ:

• • Love
  • Humility
  • A desire to do what’s right

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about the we’re going.

3. What happens when the door . (vv. 28-30)

Jesus made it clear that some of them will be left standing outside, . 

-God is love, but His love is also .

-His mercy is real, but it has limits. 

-His anger is righteous, but it is full of

For those of us who have entered – this is a call to live with gratitude and .  

1 Corinthians 10:12

Daily Meditations

Memory verse:  “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”   Luke 13:24

Monday

Read Luke 13:22-30.  Why do you think Jesus taught about the “narrow door” instead of a “wide gate”? (v. 24)

What do you think it means to “make every effort” to enter? Is salvation by effort or grace? (v. 24)

Tuesday

Read Luke 13:22-30.  How do comfort, busyness, or pride keep people from entering the narrow door? (v. 24)

Why does Jesus turn the question from “how many” to “make sure you enter”? (vv. 23, 24)

Wednesday

Read Luke 13:22-30.  How might people today think they “know” Jesus, but actually don’t? (vv. 25-27)

What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and being known by Jesus? (v. 27)

Thursday

Read Luke 13:22-30.  What emotions do you feel when you hear Jesus say, “I don’t know you”? (v. 27)

How does this passage show both God’s patience and His justice? (vv. 25-28)

Friday

Read Luke 13:22-30.  What do the people “from east and west, north and south” teach us about God’s heart? (v. 29)

How can we guard against spiritual complacency as believers? (vv. 24-27)

Saturday

Read Luke 13:22-30.  In what ways might you be delaying a step of obedience or repentance (v. 24)?

How does this passage motivate you to share the gospel with others?