(Luk) 13:3, 5, 23-24, 26-27 CJB “No, I tell you. Rather, unless you turn to God from your sins, you will all die as they did! No, I tell you. Rather, unless you turn from your sins, you will all die similarly.” Someone asked him, “Are only a few people being saved?” He answered, “Struggle to get in through the narrow door, because — I’m telling you! — many will be demanding to get in and won’t be able to, Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you! you taught in our streets!’ and he will tell you, ‘I don’t know where you’re from. Get away from me, all you workers of wickedness!’”
One of the most dangerous lies respectable men believe is this: “I’m basically good.”
We don’t murder.
We don’t rob banks.
We work hard.
We provide.
But Jesus says twice in Luke 13: “Unless you repent, you will perish.”
He does not say, “Unless you become worse.”
He says, “Unless you turn.”
The problem is not merely outward crime. It is inward rebellion.
We may not kill with our hands—but we hate in our hearts.
We may not steal with force—but we covet constantly.
We may not commit adultery physically—but we lust privately.
We gossip. We slander. We live selfishly.
And above all—we ignore God.
We spend talent, treasure, and time building our kingdom while giving God leftovers. That is not neutrality. That is sin.
When asked, “Are only a few being saved?” Jesus did not soften the answer. He said:
“Struggle to get in through the narrow door… many will try to enter and will not be able.”
Then comes the most sobering line:
“We ate and drank with you… you taught in our streets!”
“I don’t know where you’re from.”
Familiarity with Jesus is not the same as faith in Jesus.
Knowing Bible stories is not the same as obeying Christ.
Attending church is not the same as surrendering your life.
The narrow door is repentance and discipleship.
It is humility before God.
It is denial of self.
It is daily obedience empowered by the Spirit.
Israel once believed their covenant status guaranteed security. Yet they were sent into exile for disobedience.
Jesus warns of a greater exile—eternal separation from the presence of God.
When the new heavens and new earth are established, only those who have repented and trusted Christ will enter.
This is not about earning salvation. Scripture is clear: we are made right with God by grace through faith. But the faith that saves is never alone—it produces repentance and obedience.
Not perfection.
But direction.
A life marked by turning from sin and turning toward Christ.
Jesus elsewhere makes it plain:
Deny yourself.
Take up your cross daily.
Follow Me.
The way is narrow because it confronts pride.
It confronts comfort.
It confronts self-rule.
But God has not left us alone.
He has given:
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His Spirit to empower obedience
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His Word to direct our steps
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His Church to strengthen our resolve
The question is not whether you know about Jesus.
The question is whether your life is marked by repentance, self-denial, and joyful submission to Him.
Run Today’s Play:
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Examine your repentance.
When was the last time you confessed specific sin and turned from it? -
Audit your priorities.
Are your time, talent, and treasure building God’s kingdom—or mainly your own? -
Practice daily self-denial.
Choose obedience over comfort today. Kill one selfish desire for the sake of Christ. -
Lead your home through repentance.
Strong men model humility. Let your family see you confess, pray, and pursue Christ seriously.
Jesus is not vague here. His words are warning and invitation.
He is God in human flesh calling men to turn, to enter the narrow door, to follow Him into life.
The “good man” who refuses repentance will perish.
The repentant man who clings to Christ will live forever in joy, peace, and love.
Don’t trust your decency.
Enter the narrow door.
