Luke 13:23

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,”

This verse is part of a conversation between Jesus and a person who addressed Him as “Lord.” The person’s question is about the number of people who will be saved. They are essentially asking whether only a few individuals will find salvation.

In order to fully understand this verse, it’s helpful to consider the context in which it appears. The conversation takes place during Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem, where He will ultimately fulfill His mission of sacrifice on the cross.

In the preceding verses, Jesus had been teaching about repentance and the need for individuals to turn away from sin and return to God. He also spoke about a parable involving a barren fig tree, emphasizing the importance of bearing spiritual fruit in one’s life.

The person who asks the question is likely seeking clarification on the scope of salvation and who will ultimately inherit eternal life. They may have been curious about whether only a select few would find salvation or if it was more inclusive.

Jesus responds to the question in the following verses, particularly in Luke 13:24-30. He uses an analogy of a narrow door and a master of a house who shuts the door, suggesting that those who delay in seeking salvation may find themselves locked out.

Here is the continuation of Jesus’ response in Luke 13:24-30 (KJV):

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.”

In this passage, Jesus urges His listeners to strive to enter through the narrow gate, emphasizing the importance of seeking salvation and turning away from sin. He warns that many will attempt to enter but will not be able to because they delayed or did not respond when the opportunity was available. Those who are rejected will find themselves outside, desperately seeking entrance, but it will be too late.

Additionally, Jesus mentions that there will be individuals who claim familiarity with Him, citing that they have eaten and drunk in His presence and that He has taught in their streets. However, He responds that He does not know them and instructs them to depart, classifying them as workers of iniquity.

Finally, Jesus describes a scene where people from all directions (east, west, north, and south) will come and sit down in the kingdom of God, while those who were presumptuous in their association with Him will be cast out. This indicates that salvation is not limited to a select few but is available to people from all walks of life who respond in faith and repentance.

Overall, Luke 13:23 and its subsequent verses provide a powerful reminder that salvation is not to be taken lightly. It encourages individuals to seek the narrow path

, to repent, and to respond to God’s invitation while there is still an opportunity.