Luke 13:22-30

Romans 8:26-30

Psalm 13:4-5, 6

Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,

teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.

Someone asked him,

“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

He answered them, 

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,

For many, I tell you, will attempt to enter

but will not be strong enough.

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,

Then will you stand outside knocking and saying,

‘Lord, open the door for us.’

He will say to you in reply,

‘I do not know where you are from.’

And you will say,

‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’

Then he will say to you,

‘I do not know where you are from.

Depart from me, all you evildoers!’

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth

When you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God

And you yourselves cast out.

And people will come from the east and the west

and from the north and the south

and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God.

For behold, some are last who will be first,

and some are first who will be last.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, show me the path that leads through the narrow gate! Guide each of my steps as I walk toward you. Strengthen me with your grace as I attempt to enter through the narrow gate.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Mission of Jesus and the Cost of Discipleship: In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem takes up ten chapters (Luke 9:51-19:44) and can be divided into four parts. Each part has a theme that culminates in Jesus’ identity as the Messiah in Part Four. We have been reading the first part of the journey throughout the entire month of October. The main theme of the first part is the nature of Jesus’ prophetic and divine mission, as well as the demanding cost of discipleship (Luke 9:57-62). When Jesus sends out the seventy-two (Luke 10:1-24), it underscores how Jesus’ disciples share in the mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), and teachings on prayer (Luke 11:1-3) and true blessedness (Luke 11:27-28), focus on love, mercy, and devotion to God as central to discipleship. Jesus confronts hypocrisy and warns of judgment (Luke 11:37-12:12), while parables like the Rich Fool (Luke 12:12-21) critique materialism, emphasizing trust in God. The First Part concludes with parables of the mustard seed and yeast (Luke 13:18-21), illustrating the subtle yet transformative growth of the Kingdom of God. This part establishes Jesus’ mission as purposeful and urgent, calling disciples to radical commitment amid challenges. Each year, when we read this section of the Gospel of Luke, we are called to that same radical commitment.

2. The Kingdom of God and Its Demands: Today, we begin to read the second part of Jesus’ journey (Luke 13:22-17:10). This part focuses on the nature of God’s Kingdom and the response it requires, with an emphasis on universal inclusion, repentance, and humility. Today’s image of the narrow door (Luke 13:22-30) warns that entry into the Kingdom requires repentance and faith, yet it is universally open to all, including unexpected outsiders. Over the next two weeks, we will read this second part and hear Jesus lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-55) and express sorrow for Jerusalem’s rejection of God’s prophets. Jesus will heal on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-6) and teach on humility at banquets (Luke 14:7-14). This emphasizes the Kingdom’s values of compassion and humility over Pharisaic legalism and worldly status. Parables like the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24) and teachings on the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-33) stress that the Kingdom demands total allegiance, even at personal cost. The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32) highlight God’s joy in seeking and restoring the lost, emphasizing grace and repentance. The Parable of the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16:1-13) and the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) critique the misuse of wealth and call for faithfulness and compassion. Teachings on forgiveness, faith, and humble service (Luke 17:1-10) underscore the attitudes required of Kingdom participants. In the end, this part emphasizes the universality, yet demanding nature of God’s Kingdom, calling for repentance, humility, and faithful stewardship. While the First Part invites us to become disciples committed to Jesus’ universal mission, the Second Part calls us to humble and faithful stewardship in the Kingdom of God.

3. Predestination, Vocation, Justification, and Glorification: In the First Reading, Paul speaks about the eternal plan of God for humanity: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” From all eternity, God the Father knew how human history would unfold and how he would send his Son to redeem humanity. Even though our first parents rejected God’s plan and disobeyed God, God did not abandon us. Through his Son, he extended the offer of divine adoption. God’s eternal knowledge of those who will be saved is called “predestination.” Those he predestined are also called and moved to welcome his divine grace. Those who welcome God’s grace are justified and placed in a right relationship with God. And those who persevere in his grace until the end are glorified and reign in heaven with God.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you have welcomed me into your Father’s house. I belong to the household of God! What an awesome, unmerited grace! Walk with me along the path that leads to and through the narrow gate of salvation.

Living the Word of God: Do I have a clear understanding of what entering through the narrow gate means? Where do I most need the power and strength of God’s grace in my life? Where is there evil and sin in my life? How can I work with God’s grace to overcome any habitual sins, conquer vice and imperfections, and grow in holiness?