Lenten Reader | Day 17

Today’s passage is a tough one, isn't it? What do you think? I would encourage you to read it again before reading the rest of what I've written because ultimately Jesus's words matter much more than what I'll say here.

I've thought hard on what I should write and on what should be the main focus because there's a lot going on in these verses. We see that there's a narrow door, that there's weeping and gnashing of teeth, and that there's also a feast in the kingdom of God! But I want to focus on verse 25, so here we go. “Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir open the door for us.’ But he will answer, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.’" He says the same thing again in verse 27: "I don't know you or where you come from."

The statement "I don't know you" really stuck out to me. These words would be devastating to hear. So I asked myself this question: do I know Jesus? Like really know him? Or do I just know about him? Ask yourself the same question because it’s worth answering. Are we just fans of Jesus who know some facts about him or are we disciples of Jesus? I don't believe Jesus was looking for a fan club. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus says, "if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The cost of knowing and following Jesus is a big deal, but it's worth it and he is worth it. Jesus is worthy to be known, loved, worshiped and followed. So by God's grace with the help of the Holy Spirit, let us all make every effort to enter through the narrow gate together.

-Danny Saultz