The Son of Man Teaches on the Kingdom

It’s Hard, but God’s Love Makes It Worth it!

The Narrow Way is Difficult!

Luke 13:23–27 “Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’”

The implied answer is yes. Fewer than should be will be saved! God’s desire is all should come to repentance! But many, though they want to be saved don’t have the power!

Jesus says Strive = give your all to it! Imper. 2nd pl. present middle

What keeps them out? Not knowing the Master!

It is not good enough to hang around, or even hear the truth being taught. What is needed is knowing the Master! Without knowing (oida = to know through experience) the Master you have no power to enter the kingdom!

Eternal Life as defined by Jesus is Knowing the One true God! John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Being a Disciple of Jesus is Hard!

Luke 14:25–27 “Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

Jesus uses hyperbole —> hate. Scripture commands to honor father and mother! Your love for family most look like hate compared to the loyalty and love for Jesus (God). And even life itself must look like hate or one is unable (doesn’t have the power) to be His disciple!

Cross bearing and following are required of disiples!

Cross bearing = public sign of Jesus’ way is right and my way is death!

Following Jesus is active and on going! Both verbs are present active imper 3s.

So why would anyone want to follow Jesus? It’s hard!

See the Heart of God!

Luke gives us three Pictures of God’s heart!

Lost Sheep

God knows each one and knows who is missing!

He leaves the 99 and goes and finds the lost one and put it on His shoulders and carries it home! Rejoicing he whole way and then rejoices with friends!

Lost Coins

This woman had 10 drachma coins = often used to adorn her clothing for special occasions. show of value.

God values us even if our image has been worn out. God bring us back to His image and His value by His willingness to keep drawing us back to Himself!

Lost Boys!

Prodigal = wasteful and both boys missed the most important thing of value in their lives - the fathers love!

Both were prodigals the older one was just to afraid to go!

The younger brother says (honestly) give me what is mine and I will do what I believe is best! He does and learns a very important lessons — everyone wants you as their friend as long as you are paying the bills! But stop paying and everyone leaves!

v. 17 When he came to himself! Repentance = change of thinking and direction. Ran from father now running to him!

I am unworthy to be a son. All of us! Sinned against heaven adn you! All of us! Will you hire me as a servant? (doesn’t owe us anything)

The father who was watching the horizon this whole time went running to meet him. Didn’t let him finish his confession, but called servant to get robe = son! ring = authority as son! sandals = no longer poor! Kill the fatted calf! Have a party!

Now the older son comes and is angry! Dad has to come out of the party to invite him in - but this brother refuses! Calls the younger brother - this son of yours (not my brother)! Then he begins to expose his real heart to the father! You never gave me a goat to have a party with my friends (didn’t want to celebrate with family just his friends - selfish) I have kept all the rules! I stayed (even though I really didn’t want to, but i did)!

The dad responds - you are always with me, all I have is yours, your brother that was dead is alive again. Isn’t right to celebrate?