Follow The Leader

In today’s Gospel Lesson, Jesus is asked the question, “Lord, will those who are to be saved be few?” Jesus’ reply is puzzling to most Scripture scholars and theologians. one eminent Biblical expert describes it as “Bizarre — full of inconsistencies, confusing words, and hidden insinuations.” This serves to remind us that even the most learned scholars do not completely understand all that is written in the Bible. Nevertheless, there can be no misunderstanding, among scholars or non-scholars, that the opening sentence in Jesus’ answer is clear and unambiguous.

“Lord will those who are to be saved be few?” Jesus’ answer begins with an instruction. “Strive to enter by the narrow door,” He says (Lk. 23-24). The narrow door. What in heaven and on earth does that mean? I’ll tell you what it means! Moreover, there’s nothing bizarre about it, nothing confusing about it, and it’s totally consistent with our overall understanding of the New Testament Good News Message.

“Follow Me,” Jesus said…