Will only a few be saved?
by Sue Westhorp
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Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God (Luke 13:23,29).
How many followers do you have on social media?
How much money do you need in your superannuation to be able to retire comfortably?
What number do we have to reduce carbon emissions by in order to prevent a climate catastrophe?
Numbers and data are important to how we make sense of the world, aren’t they? The past 18 months have seen many of us fixated on the number of COVID-19 cases in our country or state. Perhaps in your church, the issue of numbers has become pressing as well. You may be asking, ‘How do we increase our membership?’ or ‘How do we get more young people involved?’
Questions about numbers are often important ways to track how we are going in many different areas. In today’s reading, Jesus challenges us to reframe our thinking about numbers. The question is asked, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’– a question that reveals a preoccupation with numbers as if that is the most important sign of the presence of the kingdom. Jesus directs attention away from numbers and instead replies, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door’. The invitation here is to follow Jesus and know him, not just know about him. When we know Jesus, we respond to his invitation to take up the cross and follow him every day of our lives. It is the cross that will bring us joy and everlasting life. It is the cross that enables us to enter through the narrow door.
And this is not all that Jesus wants us to know. If we think we can predict who will be saved and who won’t, then we’re in for a big surprise! How easy it can be to judge others and exclude people from salvation. We are reminded that God’s loving offer of salvation is open to all: ‘Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.’ And what a feast it will be!
Loving God, give me joy and hope in your offer of salvation to me and to all. Help me to always know you as my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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