Luke 13:22-30

Luke 13:22-30

1. We see in these verses a remarkable question asked.
2. We see, secondly, in these verses, a striking exhortation given.
3. We see, thirdly, in these verses, a day of dreadful solemnity described.
4. We see, lastly, in these verses, a heart-searching prophecy delivered.

"Salvation to the uttermost is offered to men. All things are ready on God's part. Christ is willing to receive sinners. But sinners are not willing to come to Christ. And hence few are saved."

"We are to draw near to Him in the use of the means of grace. How we can do it is a question with which we have nothing to do. It is in obedience that the knot will be untied."

"The door of mercy, which has been so long open, shall at last be shut. The fountain opened for all sin and uncleanness shall at length be closed. The throne of grace shall be removed, and the throne of judgment shall be set up in its place."

"Myriads shall wake up in another world, and be convinced of truths which on earth they refused to believe. Earth is the only place in God's creation where there is any infidelity. Hell itself is nothing but truth known too late."

Questions:

1. What does the truth that few will be saved do to our hearts?

2. Jesus answers the question how we are to enter the narrow gate: by striving. Ryle says this is done by the regular means of grace: reading God’s Word, prayer, gathering with God’s people. How do we treat these means? Are they a convenience or a necessity in our lives?

3. Jesus talks clearly of the blessings for entering the narrow gate, and the judgement that faces those who don’t. We tend to not think about these great truths, but how necessary they are to striving?! Does such consideration not cause us to cling more to Christ and strive more for His kingdom?

4. Ryle says that “Hell itself is nothing but truth known too late.” What a striking reality! Dear friend, are we amongst the many or the few? Let us put these truths before us and ask the Lord to bring the fruit for His glory.