Luke 13:24
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus uses a word for "strive" that's borrowed from intense athletic contests, showing that entering God's kingdom isn't passive wishing, but a determined, energetic struggle against resistance. This intensity is crucial because "many" will "seek" entrance—not with this same fervor, but with a mere desire or superficial effort—and will find themselves unable to enter when it truly matters.
A question about whether few people will be saved prompts Jesus to shift the focus from speculation to personal action. He urges his listeners to actively strive to enter through a narrow door, warning that many will try to enter later and find it shut. This teaching emphasizes that salvation requires earnest effort and isn't guaranteed by mere desire or belonging to a particular group.
Ever feel like following Jesus is a walk in the park? This verse uses a powerful word that paints a very different picture.
It's not just about showing up; it's about giving it your all.
Jesus uses the word 'strive' here, which is like the word used for athletes competing in the ancient games. Think of the intense training, the sweat, the sheer effort to win a prize. That's the kind of energy and dedication Jesus is calling us to for entering God's kingdom.
Jesus paints a stark contrast: a narrow door and 'many' who seek to enter but can't.
Why would so many miss out on something so many seem to desire?
The 'narrow door' isn't about exclusivity in a mean-spirited way. It represents the focused, committed path that leads to salvation. It's not a wide-open gate for just anyone.
Jesus says 'many' will seek to enter, but won't be able. This points to a crucial distinction:
Understand the original words
agōnizomai · Greek Verb
To struggle, fight, or exert intense effort; metaphorically used for the earnest, sacrificial commitment required to follow Christ.
pylē · Greek Noun
A symbol of the exclusive and challenging path of faith in Jesus, emphasizing that entry into God's kingdom requires a decisive, focused commitment rather than a broad, easy path.
Jesus uses the same imagery of a narrow door and a difficult path leading to life, emphasizing that few find it, echoing the struggle and exclusivity mentioned in Luke.
1 Corinthians 9:25This passage compares the Christian life to an athletic contest where believers must strive for a perishable crown, paralleling the intense effort ('strive') required to enter through the narrow door.
Philippians 2:12The call to 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' highlights the serious, diligent effort needed for spiritual progress, aligning with the idea of striving for salvation.
Hebrews 12:1This verse urges believers to 'run with endurance the race that is set before us,' presenting the Christian life as a sustained effort, similar to the intense striving needed to enter the narrow gate.
Romans 9:31-32Paul describes Israel seeking salvation through the law but failing because they did not pursue it by faith, illustrating how many can 'seek' and yet 'not be able' to enter if their pursuit is misplaced.
vincentLuke 13:24: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
StriveUsed only by Luke and Paul, except John 18:36. Originally to contend for a prize in the public games; and thus conveying a sense of struggle. The kindred noun, ἀγωνία, agony, is used of Christ's struggle in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). Compare 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7.Strait gate (στενῆς θύρας)Rev., narrow door. See on Matthew 7:13. The door of a house, and not…
calvinLuke 13:23-24: "Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,"
- And one saith to him, Lord, are there few who obtain salvation? And he said to them, 24. Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter, and shall not be able.
Luke 13:23. And one saith to him Although Matthew relates this answer, as if it were immediately connected with other sentences taken out of our Lord's sermons, yet I rather think that the occasion of it…
Jesus uses a word for "strive" that's borrowed from intense athletic contests, showing that entering God's kingdom isn't passive wishing, but a determined, energetic struggle against resistance. This intensity is crucial because "many" will "seek" entrance—not with this same fervor, but with a mere desire or superficial effort—and will find themselves unable to enter when it truly matters.
A question about whether few people will be saved prompts Jesus to shift the focus from speculation to personal action. He urges his listeners to actively strive to enter through a narrow door, warning that many will try to enter later and find it shut. This teaching emphasizes that salvation requires earnest effort and isn't guaranteed by mere desire or belonging to a particular group.
A question about whether few people will be saved prompts Jesus to shift the focus from speculation to personal action. He urges his listeners to actively strive to enter through a narrow door, warning that many will try to enter later and find it shut. This teaching emphasizes that salvation requires earnest effort and isn't guaranteed by mere desire or belonging to a particular group.
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"“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." — Jesus uses a word for "strive" that's borrowed from intense athletic contests, showing that entering God's kingdom isn't passive wishing, but a determined, energetic struggle against resistance. This…
