Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1-35, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, 1 John 2:1-6
Many of us picture our Lord and Savior with arms wide open to the masses, receiving all those who choose to follow Him. And yes, this is true. Scripture tells us that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16) and that it is by faith, not by works, that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8–9). We cannot earn our way to salvation—we are saved through faith alone.
And also, Scripture teaches that there is a narrow door leading to eternal life with God (Luke 13:24) and that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Jesus Himself shares the sobering reality that many will call to Him in the end and He will respond, “I don’t know you…” (Luke 13:25).
So where is the gap between those who think they know Jesus and those who truly know Him? How do I know if I am entering through the narrow door?
In Luke 13, Jesus shared a parable of a barren fig tree to illustrate a profound truth: Where there is no fruit, there is no substance. The tree is symbolic of a person who is not submitted to God or in relationship with Him. They are living for themselves, with no purpose. They just exist, not abiding in Christ and not in active participation of yielding to their Creator.
Jesus said the door is narrow because many want to enter but few actually choose to submit to our Savior. Many desire the benefits of the kingdom but without the King. They want the favor, blessings, and gifts He gives without faithful obedience. They want the seeming ease of going their own way on their own terms, the appearance of holiness without laying their lives down. Like the barren fig tree, it leaves them empty, without fruit.
First John 2:3 says, “This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands.” Choosing to know Jesus deeply and submit to His work in your heart and life is to enter by the narrow door. It is not popular or glamorous, and it will come with the discomfort of yielding to Christ over your own desires. But in this holy effort, you will see evidence of fruit as you grow, wrestle, and ultimately flourish in your walk with Him.
You and I have a choice. We can choose to live for ourselves, knowing God exists but never fully submitting to Him. Or we can choose to surrender to God, abide in Him, and keep His commands. Through His refinement and by the power of His Spirit, our lives will bear fruit (Galatians 5:22–23).
The door to eternal life may be narrow, but it is always open to all who choose Jesus. He is here, ready and willing to receive all who choose to enter.
Written by Sarah Wood
