Scripture to Read: Luke 13:22–23
Jesus knew He had come to fulfill the Father’s perfect will (John 4:34, John 5:30, John 6:38) and part of that plan was to continue preaching the good news of the kingdom in every town and village (Matthew 4:23, Matthew 9:35, Luke 4:43). God had Luke record this in Luke 13:22, “And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem.” Jesus knew His final destination was Jerusalem, for that was where He would willingly lay down His life for all mankind. According to the Book of Luke, Jesus does not reach Jerusalem until Luke 19, but God still had Luke mention it as a reminder that Jesus never lost sight of what He came to do. While Jesus was fulfilling the Father’s will, we then read in Luke 13:23, “And someone said to Him, ‘Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?’” The person who asked Jesus this question may have been wondering whether they were among the “few.” Jesus had already made it quite clear in Luke 9:23–24, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.” It makes sense that this person asked if only a few would be saved. Not many are willing to deny themselves to live wholeheartedly for Christ, but that is what it takes.
Challenge & Application
Why is knowing and following Jesus a willingness to die to ourselves daily?
Why do so many choose NOT to know and follow Jesus even when they receive the good news of the gospel?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!