THE CLOSED DOOR (MT 19:23-30 and Lk 13:24-30)
Prayer:
O Jesus, you are my Lord and Saviour.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with His disciples.
Context:
By these parables, Jesus confronts his hearers. They understand, (all too well), what He means. He comes to their villages, preaches in their streets and eats with them. Yet, they do not accept his claims.
Others, (who never enjoyed Jesus’ nearness), enter the kingdom because they will use the narrow gate of discipleship
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
A man asked Jesus, “Are there few who will be saved?” In response, Jesus said, “Strive to enter by the narrow gate. Many will seek to enter, but will not be able.”
When the Master enters his house, he closes the door. Those outside knock at the door saying, “Lord, open for us.” The Master responds, “I do not know you, nor where you are from.” They will say “We ate and drank with you. You taught in our streets.” He will repeat, “I do not know you or where you are from. Depart from me, you workers of evil.”
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God but you are thrown out. Many will come from East and West, North and South and sit down in the Kingdom of God. The last shall be first and the first will be last.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The man has a good question about the number to be saved. Jesus responds that many will not enter the Kingdom (an answer which all need to hear.)
- In fact, once the door is closed no one else can enter.
- Those asking to get in had no significant relationship to Jesus.
- They just “ate and drank” with him and heard him “preach in their streets.”
- Jesus doesn’t even know them or where they are from.
- In contrast, many Gentiles from distant lands enter the Kingdom and join the Jewish Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
- Those who should have been first became the last and are locked out.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, how important that I be saved.
- I will not stay outside Your Kingdom to enjoy false freedoms.
- I will choose to enter while the door is still open.
- I must be your disciple so you will know me.
- Your voice breaks through my deafness. Your light enters my darkness. You say, “Come and know me.”
- Someday! Someday, Jesus, I will dine with you forever.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will never take my salvation for granted.
+ I will accept these warnings. They are needed helps for my salvation.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Many are in the Kingdom and I can be among them!