First and Last

Luke 13:22-30.

(22) And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
(23) Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
(24) Strive to enter in at the narrow gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
(25) When once the Master of the house is risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know not where you come from:
(26) Then shall you begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you have taught in our streets.
(27) But he shall say, I tell you, I know not where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.
(28) There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
(29) And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
(30) And, behold, some are last who shall be first, and some are first who shall be last.

The question

The question is impertinent. If you want the right answers, you must first ask the right questions. Why is this the wrong question?

 

• Christ is not here to gratify your curiosity. He is not a tame lion to perform tricks at your command. Few or many, what does that matter? 

 

• The real question is, "easy or difficult?" That's the one that matters, and the Man who knows says, "difficult." Therefore, you must make every effort.

The answer

The answer gives us two pictures of the entrance to heaven:

• "Every effort" must be made—the Greek implies a struggle. So many of us think it easy; it is often said so from the pulpit. Our Lord never left such an impression.

 

• Moreover, the door is narrow—which implies that a precise aim is required. It is not good enough to be good enough.

The picture of the Master

Christ then draws an interesting picture of the householder. It is as if he is looking on at the wanderings of the people—but the time will come when he has seen enough, and will close the door. When that day comes, he says to those who are remaining outside, "I never knew you." They are shocked!

Argument

How can our Lord say He never knew us? They make two arguments to him, both of which are rejected:

 

• We "ate and drank" with you—perhaps meaning Communion, or perhaps meaning we went to all the church potluck suppers. In either case, attendance and ceremony are external; God looks on the heart.

 

• You taught in our streets—as if his presence itself somehow rubs off on the unconcerned. It is an attempt to use influence which doesn't exist.

The shock of this will come to many who are secure in their religiosity. They've put God in his place; they have a nice little shrine, but of course he has no real effect upon their lives. They see themselves as great in the kingdom of God; God can hardly see them for their smallness. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first, indeed.