As Jesus moved through the towns and villages on his way to Jerusalem someone asked him a question:
“Sir, will there be only a few saved?”
We don’t know who asked the question, Luke doesn’t even tell us whether it a man or a woman. Jesus’ response was not a direct answer, instead he leaves us much to ponder and reflect on:
“Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.”
As is so often the case his words carry promise, invitation and challenge. We live in a world that seem full of possibilities. We are led to believe that we can have or become everything we choose if we just try hard enough. We know in our hearts that this isn’t the case, yet it is a beguiling, attractive and powerful myth.
Jesus shows us a more honest and realistic way. He is very clear that we can’t follow him and “have it all”. If we are serious about discipleship, we need to be prepared to leave some things behind. We need to let go of other options and possibilities to focus our attention on the call of the kingdom.
To find our way through this narrow door we need to be willing to accept boundaries and to limit our personal desires and needs for the greater good. In a time that highly prizes individual rights and freedoms that is a huge challenge. Yet, it is this narrow road that will lead us to the promises of the kingdom and the joy of resurrection.
What narrow door is Christ inviting you to go through today?