He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
“Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’
“But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’
“There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” Luke 13:22-30
Questions:
- What question did someone ask Jesus?
- Jesus answered by telling a story. Tell the story in your own words
- What did Jesus mean when He said, "There are those who will be first, and first who will be last?"
- How did Jesus' words make the people feel? Why?
Thoughts:
Jesus' answer was not what these people wanted to hear. Jesus said, in effect, "Not everyone will be in the kingdom of God...you may be surprised who is there and who isn't there." Walking with Jesus is not a religion, it's a relationship. Some people may look very good on the outside, they know a lot of the Bible, say the right words, sing the right songs, but their hearts are far from Jesus. They have never entered into a relationship with Him.
Jesus Himself is the "narrow door." He is "the way, the truth and the life." No one enters Heaven unless they enter through Jesus, through a relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You that You are the way to enter God's Kingdom. We want to be there with You now and for eternity. Help us to have a deep, loving relationship with You and help us to show others the narrow door so they can enter as well. We love you Jesus.
Song: Just As I Am
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
But that Thou bids'st me come to Thee,
Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come
For Further Study:
There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage
* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*
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