Luke 13:22—14:35: Are Only a Few People Going to Be Saved?
STILL ANOTHER NEW group has come to our town, attracting scores of disaffected members of other churches. The leaders have convinced them that they alone have the right interpretation of "who is really saved." People in Jesus' day also wanted to be sure about salvation. They asked the question in different ways— "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" "How can a man be born again to enter the kingdom of God?" "Who then can be saved?" Even secular people ask, "Which life goal is right?" No matter the form, it is still an essential question for anyone to ask.
Warming Up to God
When are you likely to question your salvation?
Read Luke 13:22—14:35. »
Discovering the Word
- Jesus' journeying to Jerusalem gives the setting of our title question (13:22-23). What in Jesus' parable answer would startle his Jewish listeners or perhaps you?
- The Pharisees' motive for warning Jesus is not clear. They are now allied with the Herodians, their political enemies, against Jesus. But he is fearless (13:31-33). Then he expresses other emotions (34-35). Why do you think Jesus is so deeply passionate about Jerusalem?
- What explains the Pharisees' double silence to Jesus' questions (14:4,6)?
- How does this third parable climax Jesus' answer to our study question of who ultimately will be saved (14:15-24)?
- Travelers nearing Jerusalem passed old wooden crosses along the way. Everyone knew their use—for criminal execution. So how would Jesus' fellow travelers understand his words in 14:27?
Applying the Word
- With two parables he teaches the guests about true honor (14:7-11) and his host about true hospitality (14:12-14). How should Jesus' lessons affect your social life?
- Jesus lays down his conditions for discipleship by calling into question powerful loyalties—to family and to self. What would be a contemporary example of Christians "hating" their family?
- Try counting the cost of not following Jesus on his terms. What to you is most sobering?
Responding in Prayer
Talk openly with God about how you are experiencing the cost of discipleship.
For Further Study
The Race Set Before Us by Thomas R. Schreiner & Ardel B. Caneday