A narrow door devotional begins with Jesus’ urgent words in Luke 13:24 (ESV): “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Jesus answers a curious question with a personal call. The door is open now, so come through it.
Key Verse
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24, ESV)
A Question About Others
As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, someone asked him whether only a few would be saved. It was a theological question, maybe even a safe one. Jesus did not give a number. He turned the question back on the listener: make sure you enter.
It is easy to discuss salvation in general and avoid the personal question. Jesus will not let us do that.
Strive
The word strive is the root of our word agonize. It suggests effort and seriousness, like an athlete straining in competition. Jesus is not saying we earn salvation by effort. He is saying we must not be casual about it.
Striving means turning from sin, trusting Jesus, and following him, even when the crowd goes another way.
A Narrow Door
The door is narrow because there is only one: Jesus himself. Elsewhere he says he is the door and the way. It is narrow, but it is open. Anyone may come through by faith.
This echoes the narrow gate in the Sermon on the Mount, which is why it matters so much to this ministry. The narrow way is not a burden but the path to life.
When the Door Shuts
Jesus continues with a sobering picture. When the owner finally shuts it, people left outside will knock and insist they shared meals with him. He will say he does not know where they come from.
Being near Jesus is not the same as knowing him. Familiarity with church or Bible stories cannot replace trusting him personally.
Many Will Come
Then comes hope. Jesus says people will come from every direction on earth to sit down at the feast in God’s kingdom (Luke 13:29). The narrow door welcomes people from every nation. Some who seem last will be first.
The door is narrow, but it is open. Today is the day to walk through it.
Today, Try This
Answer Jesus’ question for yourself today. Write a short note describing how you have entered through the narrow door, or, if you have not, pray and ask Jesus to bring you in.
Reflection Question
Are you more comfortable discussing salvation in general than asking whether you have entered through the narrow door?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the narrow door, and you are still open. I don’t want to be casual about following you. Help me strive to enter, turn from sin, and trust you fully. Thank you for welcoming people from every nation. In your name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Luke 13:24 mean?
In Luke 13:24 (ESV), Jesus urges people to strive to enter the narrow door, meaning to seriously and personally turn to him while there is time.
Is the narrow door the same as the narrow gate?
They are closely related. Luke 13:24 and Matthew 7:13-14 both teach that the way to life is narrow, found only through Jesus, and that we must personally enter.
Does striving mean earning salvation?
No. Salvation is by grace through faith. Striving means taking Jesus’ call seriously, repenting, trusting him, and following him wholeheartedly.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Read more daily devotionals
- Go deeper: Matthew 7:13-14 study
- Related: I Am the Door Devotional
- Related: Enter Through the Narrow Gate
- Bible Verses by Topic