How many will be saved ( 21. Sunday C Luke 13:22-30)

It is not necessary to know the number of the saved but to be saved.

Introduction.

On May 25, 2001, a census of the population and property in Slovakia was taken. There were many voices against it. Supposedly, out of fear. In today’s technological age, it is unthinkable that we should underestimate statistical data. They help to solve many tasks. Already in the Old Testament, we read of censuses of people, with varying degrees of notoriety, even with divine punishment. People are also curious. They would like to see beyond the numbers to what cannot be expressed by numbers.

Predication.

The question of the unknown man in the crowd to Jesus speaks of this, “Lord, are there few who will be saved” (Lk. 13:23)?

It is right to ask. But it is right to ask intelligently. And the answers? The question addressed to Jesus must have come as a shock to many Jews, for the Jews were convinced that just by being a Jew, salvation was assured. Gentiles were excluded from salvation. Jesus repeatedly says that one must fight for the kingdom of God, and only “the violent take it” (Matt. 11:12). To the rich man who has not earned it by his life on earth and that his brethren at least may gain it, Abraham says: “Except they hear Moses and the Prophets, they will not believe” (Lk. 16:31). The very question reveals that this man realizes that it is not possible to obtain the kingdom of God automatically.
Jesus hears the question but does not answer immediately and directly. He knows that if he gave any answer, it would raise a host of other unnecessary and unsatisfying questions. For example, numbers about a nation, a family, but whether this or that will belong to the number, why, and so on. Jesus will answer, as he always does, for he also answered those who wanted to trip him up in speech.
Jesus’ answer is in three statements: about the closed gate, the locked door, and the admission of all nations into the kingdom of God.
Regarding the suggestion about the closed gate, a question was asked. Jesus pays attention to it as he speaks: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom” (Lk 12:32; Gospel of the 19th Sunday C). When people are awake and have their loins girded, and their lamps lit, they are waiting for the Lord.
More important than the question of the number of the saved, which only God knows, is the salvation of the one who asks the question. To him, Jesus says: “Strive to enter by the strait gate… Many will try to enter, and will not be able” (Lk. 13:24). There is a kind of gate to heaven that is open to all. All are invited to pass through it. It is not a gate similar to cities or palaces; it can also be compared to a pass, but it is a spiritual gate here. God does not exclude anyone. On the contrary. God desires that every person should pass through this gate. However, only those who keep God’s commands will pass through the gate, for “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:26). The works of man are the way. Man must obey God, love God, and do His will. Man is not to be seduced by advantages, false philosophy, by the bad example of others. Such a path and gate leads to damnation (cf. Mt. 7:13). Always be prepared in case of death. Such a way of life requires much strength. No one will be tested beyond his power. Discouragement and laziness will be the most common hindrance to people not being able to pass through the gate. Jesus’ words are not against anyone. Every man is the engineer of his happiness, not only on earth but for all eternity. Salvation is so severe that no one should underestimate it, postponed, but on the contrary. God has created every man in His image; that is, every man will be judged according to how he has responded to the voice of God with his reason and will. Jesus teaches this in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (cf. 25:1n). To each one, God has taught a time of testing. Man cannot avoid death as a gateway.
Then make excuses? Jesus, therefore, points out that excuses, and appeals, that “we ate and drank with you, you taught in our streets” (Lk 13:26), do not stand because they did only what suited them, what they liked; they chose according to their will, their reason. Jesus warns one to beware of building up a false facade in life that all is well, that there is still time, and that God is an older man who can be persuaded.
Many will not be able to pass through the “straight gate” because they were susceptible to the invitation from God, others because they were late, but there will be those who knew Christ and his teachings and yet did not embrace them. They have not become worthy to enter “into the joy of their Lord” (Matt. 25:21). They will rightly hear the pronouncement of damnation, “I know not whence ye are; depart from me” (Lk. 13:27).

Jesus’ words have precisely their addresses. It is not only the Chosen People, but every person, for to all of us, the call applies: ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate’ (Lk 13:24). We are making a choice now, and now our salvation is at stake. Now is the time to throw off our shoulders, unload from our hearts, and renounce everything that prevents us from going through the “strait gate.” Let us knock off our pride, bend our knees, and clean out our hearts, pockets, and coffers of what hinders us from doing the will of God. Let our priority be, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mk 10:15).
Christianity is life, and life never stops. If it does not progress, it certainly recedes backward. The Christian ascends all his life to an end he will never reach on earth. The Christian is not content with being a Christian. Therefore, there will be surprises in the kingdom of God that those who were sure of their salvation on earth will not be there. The repentant robber will be there. The apostle Judas will be there…?

He who receives the gospel goes by a steep road, still passing through the “strait gate.” We must each carve out the kingdom of God for ourselves. The truth is that we have to help each other. The actual example is that the Christian pattern of life has its power, justification, and meaning. We must not withhold the truth from ourselves or others. On the contrary.

When Sir Ernest Shackleton wanted to get co-workers to try to conquer the South Pole with him, he wrote in the London Times: “I am looking for men for a dangerous expedition. Conditions: small reward, bitter cold, long months in darkness, constant danger, safe return uncertain, fame and honors if successful.”
Many were convinced that the necessary 28 volunteers would not be found after such an advertisement. And how many signed up? More than 5 thousand people.
Shackleton and his expedition experienced precisely what he wrote. And that the trip came back a success. The glory and honors were not lost on the participants.

For two millennia, Jesus’ words about the conditions of salvation have been valid. Christ did not revoke, cancel, or change anything. Whoever believes in Christ and submits everything to Him becomes an overcomer. Let us not be disappointed. Let us go through the “strait gate.” Even if we do not like the strait gate, we realize that it is a condition, and since we want to pass through it, we do everything we can to pass through successfully.
Yes, many resign, give up, and walk away from the teachings of Christ. Others, however, make progress despite the difficulties. These, after all, belong to the cause and are worth overcoming.

When those who want development and progress in conquering the world do not underestimate research and statistics and know how to read the numbers, how much more do we who have believed in Christ not underestimate the desire to go through the straight gate? Faithfulness and perseverance to Christ pay off.