Ask the Relevant Question

The following question is asked of Jesus from Luke 13:22-23

The Question asked: “Lord, will those who are saved be few ?” (22-23)

22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”

Jesus continued to teach and preach on His way toward Jerusalem and His ultimate destiny of being crucified. He was focused on His mission and purpose in everything that He did. When we keep focused on the “Big Picture” in our lives it puts everything else into proper perspective.
Someone asked Jesus a question. The identity of the person was not relevant. The question asked was “Lord, will those who are saved be few?

Sometimes people like to get caught up in theological speculation.
>Who are the elect?
>Who are the chosen of God?
>How are they chosen?

A lot of theological speculation is not useful when it does not encourage us to practical service and holiness. While there is value in reading and studying the works of Christian authors, they should not supplant a commitment to God’s Word and replace a heart bent on serving the Lord in the circumstances of their lives.

The Relevant Question: “Will the saved be you?*”

Jesus had an amazing way of cutting through the fluff and distractions of what people said to focus on what people needed to hear. One of the dangers of familiarity with the things of God is presumption concerning the blessings of God. People can assume that since they have a godly heritage that everything will work out.  However, we need to remember that God does not save through our heritage or religious activity.  Each generation, each person needs to response in faith to the person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus corrects the false assumptions of the person asking the question, will those who are saved be few?” with the following which encourages us to  Respond now to enter the narrow door before it is too late .

Luke 13:24
24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ESV)
1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” 

Jesus speaks an uncomfortable truth to many people. You either in or out of His kingdom.
Our world, our culture, perceives spiritual truth as all relative. Like there is a complex spiritual highway system that eventually leads everyone, except a few like Hitler, to God.

However, when the door is shut… it is shut.
Whether it was Noah’s ark or someone who rejected Christ in life and then regretting it in death.
Jesus described the imperative of being right with Him this way.

Jesus told a religious man.- Nicodemus
John 3:3 (ESV)
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

The radio Bible teacher Greg Laurie in a message said something very interesting. “All roads lead to God” All of us are accountable to God and will stand before God. “But only one road leads to Heaven”

“only one road leads to Heaven”
John 14:6-7 (ESV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”                                       

Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

May people respond now before it is too late.

* phrase from Darrel Bock - NIV Application Commentary