What Jesus Did! 'Reminder of Urgency and of Intensity' — Luke 13:22-27

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

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.'"

— Luke 13:22-27 NLT

Key Thought

Many in the world today have a passing fascination with Jesus, but they have no desire for Jesus to be the Lord of their lives. Others see faith as something to put off until a more convenient time in their lives — something for after they have "sown their wild oats" or have "lived it up." Jesus is reminding us that only those who have truly confessed AND who live with him as Lord are going to find their future glorious. God's grace [1] is not a reason to take the offer of salvation lightly. Those who believe they are saved but have no desire or passion to live for their Lord and to work for his Kingdom, are sadly mistaken. [2] The need to live and work for the Kingdom is not salvation by works, but it is a reminder that true disciples don't go on sinning simply because God is gracious [3] and that they serve in grateful response to what Jesus did for them. Jesus gave up everything to redeem us. He asks that we recognize his sacrifice and demands that we live with him as Lord of our lives.

[1] Ephesians 2:8-9.
[2] Ephesians 2:9-10; James 2.
[3] Romans 6:1-3.

Today's Prayer

Righteous Father, I thank you for your grace. I know that Jesus paid the debt for my sin and redeemed me. I know that you raised him from the dead and that you exalted him to the highest place. I trust that Jesus is my Savior, and I seek to live for him as my Lord. May my life reflect my profound thanks for your grace and display the purpose, passion, and meaning you long to give me as your child. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:8-10
  • Romans 6:1-4
  • James 2:17-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 13:22-27 NLT — "Lord, will only a few be saved?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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