What exactly does Luke 13:24 mean?

Question

He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

Does this mean that only super Christians can make it? And Christians that try, but not hard enough, won't?

Answer 1

In this world there are lots of religions telling you that you can get to heaven by doing this or that. Most of these ways are hopeless. They rely on us living a perfect life - which is pretty much impossible.

I think Jesus might have been saying the only way to get to heaven is through Him. He is the narrow doorway.

But this doorway will one day close (judgement day) and then those who have not chosen to go through Jesus will miss out.

Well that's what I think, if you read Luke 13: 22 - 30

Answer 2

No, it doesn't...it means that all Christians will need to walk the walk, in other words, you must not just talk about being a Christian...you must live like one to make it through the gate that leads to eternal life. The wide way is the way of the unbelievers..they cannot enter into Heaven. Stay on the straight and narrow course.

Here is the actual Bible verse:

Many of Jesus' profound teachings are so simple. So it is with His teaching about the strait gate and the narrow way. He said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it' (Matt. 7:13,14).

Answer 3

By urging us to exert ourselves vigorously, Jesus was not saying that either he or his Father puts obstacles in our way to hinder us. But we understand from Luke 13:24 that God’s requirements are such as to exclude unworthy ones. “Exert yourselves vigorously” implies struggling, extending ourselves. We thus might ask ourselves, ‘Am I extending myself?’ Luke 13:24 might be paraphrased, ‘I need to exert myself vigorously to get in through the narrow door because many will seek to get in but will not be able. So am I truly exerting myself vigorously? Am I like an athlete in an ancient stadium who gives his all to win the prize? No such athlete would be halfhearted, taking it easy. Am I?’

Jesus’ words suggest that some might seek to ‘get through the door’ only at their own convenience, at an easy pace that they prefer. Some might reason, ‘I know of devoted Christians who extended themselves for years, making many sacrifices; yet, by the time of their death, the end of this wicked system still had not come. So maybe I’d better slow down, live a more normal life.’

It is easy to think that way, but is it really wise? For example, did the apostles think that way? Definitely not. We know that Paul did the absolutely right thing in exerting himself. How content each of us would be to be able to say as Paul did: “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) So in line with Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 13:24, each of us can ask, ‘Am I applying myself with diligence and industriousness? Yes, do I give ample, regular evidence that I take to heart Jesus’ admonition: “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door”?’

Answer 4

It means "Shed some of those extra-pounds before you call yourself a Christian!"

God doesn't like gluttony because it prevents the fair and equal distribution of food to all the peoples of the world. Thus he has created a "narrow door" system that will prevent gluttons from entering heaven. (There will, however, be special treatment for people who are fat due to health problems and are not necessarily gluttonous, like my grandparents.)

Answer 5

This means that false prophets and teachers who are wolves in sheeps clothing will try to enter. Many hypocrites will try to enter but "not all who cry out Lord, Lord will not enter into his kingdom".

Answer 6

It is your faith, do you believe or do you just say you believe? If you truly believe with all your heart, mind, and soul you would sell everything you have and give it to the poor, you would not worry about what your going to eat, drink, or wear.

You would give to everyone that ask, or wishes to borrow, you would love everyone, you would have no enemies, but their would be those who would want to kill you, but you love them as well. Everywhere you go and everything you do, God the Father comes first, and it is your job to make God look good, cause he is your Father.

Many will say have we not prophesied in the name and done many wonderful works, but They come in the own name, and wish to glorify themselves in the eyes of men, but Jesus said those who come and the name of a prophet will receive a prophets reward, as will a righteous man.

It is you that have said I love Jesus, but Jesus said, if you love me, keep my (75) commandments of the New Covenant.

Answer 7

It means live a moral life, be a good person, honest and of good character. Be humble and the narrow door won't be blocked by a thick skull.

Answer 8

i can only explain it with this example: people who try to make it into heaven by the wrong means probably wont but if you study the bible and take the info to heart as you learn new things you will make it. by "wrong means" i mean trying to buy your way into heaven with good deeds instead of doing the good deeds b/c u love God. there are a lot of "good people" who will not make it into heaven b/c although they don't drink or smoke, are not promiscious, and are kindhearted they have rejected Jesus teachings.

Answer 9

It's sad and interesting that there are so many Christians who want to tack on morals and being 'good' as being something that God appreciates. When all along we are nothing more than sinners who rely on His grace.

I, for one, will not fool myself into believing that I am either moral or good.

What I do is trust God. He leads me to where I need to be spiritually. So I look to Him. Not myself and my non existent ability to be 'good, and 'moral'.

What I read here is such a shame. Terrible, terrible shame.

Answer 10

True Christians will make it to heaven. True Jews will be in heaven.
Everyone else will not. thats why he said its a narrow gate and not many will make it, there arnt that many true Christians.