Will Only A Few Be Saved?

Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" He replied, "Work hard to enter the narrow door to God's Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Lord, open the door for us!' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' Then you will say, 'But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' And he will reply, 'I tell you, I don't know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south--to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then." Luke 13:22-30

Meditate. Consider the path you’re walking down.

Gate at Garden of Gethsemane
Jerusalem, Israel

Consider how you feel going down a path with gates ahead—wide gate or narrow gate? Which would you choose? Easy and carefree—a wide gate that may begin a downhill stretch of the path; or would you choose the challenging narrow gate that may lead to a bit of an uphill climb?  The paths are not labeled—“Destruction” and “Life.” We need to make wise choices and ask God to show us, along each step of the way, which way is the good way. It may be through the narrow gate—toward truth and life. Remember, “Ask,” and you will receive. Jesus beckons us from this gate at the Garden of Gethsemane to come to Him.

What path are you following—a narrow or wide one? Jesus points out that the way to Him—to life—is going through a narrow gate. This same story is told in the book of Matthew. Again, we are challenged…will you choose the narrow gate?

You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom. No one can “work” to receive their salvation—it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). As Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth and in Philippi, we need to “work out” our holy salvation with fear and trembling. 

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

We need to be obedient to God’s will and give Him our total honor and respect—fear and reverence. God wants us to be holy because He is holy. One day we will be pure—radiantly filled with holiness as we stand before our God. Jesus will open the door if He knows you. Now will you choose to listen to Him, to know Him as Savior, and to obey His every calling as you journey through the narrow gate and down the Lord’s narrow path? 

            What do you learn about Jesus from this scripture today?

 

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I choose You. You are the way, the truth, and the life—the very gate to life forever with You. You paid the price with Your death on the cross. I’ll follow You down the narrow path—even if the way is steep and difficult. Help me to be obedient—to see Your path clearly.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Portions reused from February 25, 2012, and November 30, 2024, Banquet With The King, blogs.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.