30 October 2024 - will many be saved?

Today's Readings

(Audio)

Strive to enter through the narrow gate,

for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter

but will not be strong enough.

Will only a few people be saved? Jesus didn't answer the question directly, but rather shifted the focus back on the one who asked and the others who were listening. There were real potential obstacles that might prevent individuals from being included in the Kingdom banquet in the age to come. The gate itself was narrow, and pushing through would require that one strive to do so. Further, there was a time constraint. For once the master had arisen to lock the door time was up.

But where does one get the strength to enter? In a world where many will not be strong enough what sort of strength is it that enables those who manage to enter to do so? We know this can't come from any sort of innate talents or societal privileges since the ones entrusted with much actually face the challenge of greater expectations. According to Paul, true strength is something that comes from God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might (see Ephesians 6:10).

It is appropriate to talk about striving since Paul wrote to his audience, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling", but while at the same time reminding them that "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (see Philippians 2:12-13). There is therefore no sheer force of will with which we can barge into the Kingdom uninvited. What is required is the strength that comes from surrender. Surrender implies relationship, which is why attendance at the banquet is based on being recognized by the master of the house.

'Lord, open the door for us.'

He will say to you in reply,

'I do not know where you are from.'

Being recognized by the master means more than knowing about Jesus or having existed in proximity to his followers. It means opening ourselves to him in a way that makes us genuinely vulnerable to him, so that he can do the work of transforming us with his grace and giving us his own strength. Then Jesus will see one who desired to be with him forever. The Father will see one who reminds him of his only begotten Son. It is to those humble enough to allow this work in them that entrance into the Kingdom and attendance at the heavenly banquet will be granted. Those who insist on their own autonomy and their own strength to the very end, in spite of appeals to lay down their resistance, may be among some who are now first but will be last. Yet those with no great natural assets or amazing abilities or social status can truly rely on Jesus for strength. Then they may hope to be among some who are now last who will one day be first.

John Michael Talbot - Exodus 15