The Narrow Door

Jesus continues teaching toward Jerusalem when someone asks whether only a few will be saved. He urges effort to enter through the narrow door, warns that the master will shut it, rejects claims based on shared meals and teaching, and then pictures outsiders coming from every direction while some expected guests remain outside.

T²²hen Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem. ²³“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” ²⁴Jesus answered, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. ²⁵After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ ²⁶Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ ²⁷And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ ²⁸There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out. ²⁹People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. ³⁰And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”