Over the years I’ve heard many people asking the same question the disciples had: “Will those who are saved be few?” How many people will go to heaven? It’s usually the prelude to an argument about hell and whether a truly loving God would ever allow anybody to go there.
But Jesus cuts this discussion off immediately. Notice how He answers: “You, try to get in through the narrow door. For many people will try to go in and will not be able to.” It’s as if He were saying: “Stop worrying about the total number of people who will be saved. The real question is, What about you? Will you be saved?” Where will you stand, on Judgment Day when Jesus comes to bring His people home?
This is the question Jesus is asking, because it matters to Him. He wants you with Him—wants to make you a forgiven, joyful, healthy, and blessed son or daughter of God. He will be content with nothing less than that. You may not value yourself. Others around you may not treat you as they ought. But Jesus values you—yes, so much that He lay down His life on the cross to have you, to make you His dearly loved child. He broke the power of death through His resurrection for you, so that you, too, would have new life—a life that lasts forever.
Jesus wants you at His table in His kingdom. He has done everything in His power to make that happen. No one but you can stop it. Will you trust Him? Will you come?
WE PRAY: Dear Savior, bring me safely into Your kingdom—and use me to bring others. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you often think of heaven? Why or why not?
2. Why is Jesus so urgent with His disciples about this matter?
3. How do you know that you will be with Jesus in His kingdom forever—on what grounds?