THE NARROW DOOR
Isaiah 66:18-21 / Psalm 117:1-2 / Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 / Luke 13:22-30
Introduction
Today, someone asked Jesus: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” And instead of giving a number, Jesus gave an instruction: “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” (Luke 13:24). This means salvation is not about numbers, it’s about effort, choice, and perseverance.
However, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 individuals, referred to as the “anointed,” will ascend to heaven to reign with Christ. This belief is based on their interpretation of Revelation 7:4 and Revelation 14:1-5. They teach that these 144,000 are a literal number of people chosen since the time of Christ to serve as co-rulers in heaven. The rest of the faithful, known as the “great crowd,” will not go to heaven but will live eternally on a restored paradise earth under the leadership of Christ and the 144,000 in heaven.
Catholics don’t take this figure literally. Hence, Jesus says, ANYONE who enters by the door shall be saved (John10:9). “ANYONE is not a restricted number. In the book of Revelation no specific number was stated. In Rev.7:9-10 John says “… behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, … In Luke 13:29 Jesus says “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Heaven us not limited, what Jesus wants from us is to strive, hence paul says in Phil2:12, Paul says …continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. If we make sincere effort, God comes to crown our effort by his grace.
Basic lessons:
1. Salvation Is Not Automatic
Jesus did not say “Relax, everyone will make it.” He said “Strive.” The Greek word used here is agonizomai — the root of “agonize.” Salvation is not a casual stroll; it is a serious struggle and mortification. Many Christians want cheap grace without costly discipleship. The narrow door is not a barrier; but a purifier. So thag we are free from our selfishness, pride, and sin make us too “fat” to pass through. We must mortify ourselves through the sacrament.
2. The Door Is Jesus Himself
In John 10:9, Jesus boldly declares: “I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved.”* The door is narrow because it allows only one entry point, Christ alone. Not charms, not rituals, not wealth, not titles — only Jesus. Salvation through Jesus Christ is prefigured by Noah’s ark. All who heard Noah and entered the Ark were saved. Acts 4:12 confirms: “There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” As to the question “Is there salvation outside the Church?” In a way mysterious to us, this salvation is offered to all, and God, who judges the hearts of all, will determine their destiny.
3. Time Is Running Out
Jesus warns of a time when the Master will rise and shut the door. Then people will knock, crying “Lord, open to us!” but He will reply, “I do not know you.” (Luke 13:25). This is a chilling reminder: procrastination is dangerous. Don’t wait until sickness, old age, or deathbed confessions to repent. The door of mercy is open now — but it won’t remain open forever.
4. The Great Reversal
Jesus ends with a shocking statement: “Some who are first will be last, and some who are last will be first.” (Luke 13:30). We can talk about this from the perspective of FOLLOWERS (JUDAS AND PAUL 1Cor. 15:8 & 2Cor. 11:23), PRIVILEGE (JEWS and GENTLES, birth and converts), RANK (PHARISEES and SINNERS Matt.21:31–32). This means that churchgoers, priests, pastors, or “pioneers” are not automatically first in heaven. Many who look insignificant, the poor widow, the repentant sinner, the humble soul, may outrun the proud, the complacent, and the entitled.
5. Heaven will be full of surprises!
Heaven will shock us! Fulton Sheen once said heaven holds three surprises: (1) Those we expect to see may not be there. (2) Those we never expected will be there. (3) The greatest surprise is that we ourselves made it! My dear friends, do not be carried away by numbers, positions, or privileges — the narrow door demands daily striving, faithful perseverance, and surrender to grace. Philippians 2:12 reminds us: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
So, the real question is not, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” but rather, “Lord, will I be saved?” That is the narrow door’s challenge. Don’t gamble with eternity. Strive now. Repent now. Pray now. Love now. Live holy now.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
