Luke 13:24
"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
Make every effort
The phrase "Make every effort" is translated from the Greek word "ἀγωνίζομαι" (agonizomai), which conveys the idea of striving, struggling, or contending with intense effort. This word is often used in the context of athletic competitions, suggesting a disciplined and determined pursuit. In the Christian life, this implies a call to diligent and persistent effort in seeking God's kingdom, emphasizing that spiritual growth and salvation require active participation and commitment.

to enter
The verb "to enter" comes from the Greek "εἰσέρχομαι" (eiserchomai), meaning to go into or come in. This word suggests a movement from one state or place to another, symbolizing the transition from a life of sin to one of righteousness. In the context of this verse, it underscores the necessity of taking deliberate action to move towards the kingdom of God, highlighting the personal responsibility each believer has in their spiritual journey.

through the narrow door
The "narrow door" is a metaphorical expression that signifies the challenging and exclusive path to salvation. The Greek word for "narrow" is "στενός" (stenos), which implies constriction or difficulty. This imagery is consistent with Jesus' teachings elsewhere in the Gospels, where He contrasts the narrow path leading to life with the broad road leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). The narrow door represents the singular and often difficult way of following Christ, requiring self-denial, obedience, and faith.

For many, I tell you
The phrase "For many, I tell you" introduces a solemn warning from Jesus. The Greek word "πολλοί" (polloi) means "many," indicating that a significant number of people will face the reality described in the following clause. This serves as a cautionary note, urging listeners to take Jesus' words seriously and to reflect on their own spiritual condition.

will try to enter
The words "will try to enter" suggest an attempt or desire to gain access. The Greek verb "ζητέω" (zeteo) means to seek or strive for something. This implies that there will be those who, despite their efforts, will not succeed in entering the kingdom. It highlights the importance of not just effort, but the right kind of effort—one that aligns with God's will and truth.

and will not be able
The phrase "and will not be able" is a sobering conclusion to the verse. The Greek word "ἰσχύω" (ischyo) means to have strength or ability. This indicates that despite their attempts, many will lack the necessary strength or capability to enter. This inability is not due to a lack of opportunity, but rather a failure to meet the conditions set by God, such as genuine repentance, faith in Christ, and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, providing a teaching on the nature of salvation and the kingdom of God.

2. The Narrow Door
A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the challenging path to salvation and eternal life.

3. The Many
Represents those who seek entry into the kingdom of God but fail due to not following the prescribed path.

4. The Kingdom of God
The ultimate destination and goal for believers, representing eternal life and communion with God.

5. The Effort
The active pursuit and commitment required to follow Jesus and His teachings.
Teaching Points
The Urgency of Salvation
The call to "make every effort" underscores the urgency and importance of seeking salvation earnestly and without delay.

The Exclusivity of the Path
The "narrow door" signifies that the path to salvation is exclusive and requires adherence to the teachings of Jesus, not just a superficial acknowledgment.

The Reality of Rejection
Jesus warns that many will seek to enter but will not be able, highlighting the reality that not all who desire entry will be granted it, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and obedience.

The Necessity of Perseverance
The effort required to enter through the narrow door suggests a need for perseverance and steadfastness in the Christian life, resisting complacency and distraction.

The Role of Jesus as the Door
Understanding that Jesus Himself is the door (John 10:9) reminds us that salvation is found in a personal relationship with Him, not through works or merit.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the metaphor of the "narrow door" teach us about the nature of salvation and the Christian life?

2. How can we "make every effort" in our daily lives to ensure we are on the path to entering the kingdom of God?

3. In what ways does the concept of the narrow door challenge the idea of universalism or the belief that all paths lead to God?

4. How do other scriptures, such as Matthew 7:13-14 and John 10:9, enhance our understanding of Luke 13:24?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our faith is genuine and that we are not among those who "will try to enter and will not be able"?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 7:13-14
This passage also speaks of the narrow gate and the difficult path that leads to life, emphasizing the few who find it.

Philippians 2:12
Paul encourages believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, highlighting the effort and seriousness required in the Christian walk.

Hebrews 12:1-2
The call to run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, aligns with the effort needed to enter through the narrow door.

John 10:9
Jesus describes Himself as the door, indicating that entry into the kingdom is through Him alone.

Revelation 3:8
The message to the church in Philadelphia about an open door that no one can shut, symbolizing opportunities for faithful believers.
A Time to StriveT. Dale, M. A.Luke 13:24
Christ's Warning Against FormalismJ. B. Clark.Luke 13:24
Difficulty of ReligionC. Girdlestone, M.A.Luke 13:24
Disappointed SeekersVan Oosterzee.Luke 13:24
Earnestness in Religion, Recommended and EnforcedE. Cooper.Luke 13:24
Earnestness in Seeking SalvationW. H. Lewis, D. D.Luke 13:24
Heaven is Worth Striving ForR. Baxter.Luke 13:24
On Striving to Enter in At the Strait GateN. W. Taylor, D. D.Luke 13:24
On the Obtaining of SalvationA. Robertson, M. A.Luke 13:24
Philip Henry's Dying AdviceLuke 13:24
Self-DelusionC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 13:24
Strive to Enter InVan Oosterzee.Luke 13:24
Striving for HeavenJ. W. Adams, D. D.Luke 13:24
The Broad Way and the NarrowA. Raleigh, D. D.Luke 13:24
The Christian's JournalS. Hieron.Luke 13:24
The Dangers of Formality, and the Difficulties of SalvatiH. Hughes.Luke 13:24
The Difficulties of a Christian Life ConsideredArchbishop Tillotson.Luke 13:24
The Grand DisappointmentEssex RemembrancerLuke 13:24
The Narrow Leads to the BroadT. T. Lynch.Luke 13:24
The Narrow Way, and the Broad WayJohn Edwards, D. D.Luke 13:24
The One Journey Through the WorldLuke 13:24
The Strait GateT. T. Lynch.Luke 13:24
The Strait GateC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 13:24
The Strait GateJ. Parker, D. D.Luke 13:24
The Strait GateA. Scott.Luke 13:24
The Strait Gate -- a Sermon to ChildrenJ. H. Wilson, M. A.Luke 13:24
The Two WayE. Blencowe, M. A.Luke 13:24
The Two WaysA. Maclaren, D. D.Luke 13:24
The Wrong and the Right AnxietyC. M. Merry.Luke 13:24
Warning Against FormalismD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 13:24
Christ's Farewell Words to the TheocracyR.M. Edgar Luke 13:22-35
Prying into the Secret Things of God ReprovedT. Secker.Luke 13:23-24
Silence of Scripture on Irrelevant QuestionsLuke 13:23-24
The Number of the SavedN. Macleod.Luke 13:23-24
Unpractical Questions About ReligionW. Nevins, D. D.Luke 13:23-24
Vain Inquiry and Spiritual StrenuousnessW. Clarkson Luke 13:23, 24
People
Hen, Herod, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, Pilate
Places
Jerusalem, Road to Jerusalem, Siloam
Topics
Able, Attempt, Best, Door, Earnestness, Endeavour, Enter, Force, Gate, Multitudes, Narrow, Nerve, Seek, Straight, Strain, Strait, Strive, Striving, Succeed, Try
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 13:24

     5787   ambition, positive
     8239   earnestness
     8672   striving with God

Luke 13:22-29

     5006   human race, destiny

Luke 13:22-30

     2426   gospel, responses

Luke 13:23-25

     5299   door

Luke 13:23-28

     9513   hell, as incentive to action

Luke 13:24-28

     2377   kingdom of God, entry into
     5484   punishment, by God
     6227   regret

Library
A Changed Life
TEXT: "And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity: And he laid his hands on her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."--Luke 13:11-13. These verses present to us one of the most interesting stories imaginable--of interest to us first because it is one of our Lord's miracles,
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

True Sabbath Observance
'And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12. And when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13. And He laid His hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Strait Gate
'And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23. Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, 24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not he able. 25. When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Message to Herod
'And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. 33. Nevertheless I must walk to-day, and to-morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.'--LUKE xiii. 32, 33. Even a lamb might be suspicious if wolves were to show themselves tenderly careful of its safety. Pharisees taking Christ's life under their protection were enough to suggest a trick. These men
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 21 and 23, Where the Kingdom of God is Said to be "Like unto Leaven, which a Woman
1. "The three measures of meal" [3461] of which the Lord spake, is the human race. Recollect the deluge; three only remained, from whom the rest were to be re-peopled. Noe had three sons, by them was repaired the human race. That holy "woman who hid the leaven," is Wisdom. Lo, the whole world crieth out in the Church of God, "I know that the Lord is great." [3462] Yet doubtless there are but few who are saved. Ye remember a question which was lately set before us out of the Gospel, "Lord," it was
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 6, Where we are Told of the Fig-Tree, which Bare no Fruit for Three Years; and of The
1. Touching "the fig-tree" which had its three years' trial, and bare no fruit, and "the woman which was in an infirmity eighteen years," hearken to what the Lord may grant me to say. The fig-tree is the human race. And the three years are the three times; one before the Law, the second under the Law, the third under grace. Now there is nothing unsuitable in understanding by "the fig-tree" the human race. For when the first man sinned, he covered his nakedness with fig-leaves; [3442] covered those
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 11 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in threat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Mat. 7:13, 14. 1. Our Lord, having warned us of the dangers which easily beset us at our first entrance upon real religion, the hinderances which naturally arise from within, from the wickedness of our own hearts; now proceeds to apprize
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher
At this time of the year, Sabbath-school teachers come together especially to pray for a blessing on their work, and pastors are invited to say a word to cheer them in their self-denying service. This request I would cheerfully fulfill, and therefore my discourse will not be a full explanation of the parable, but an adaptation of it to the cheering of those who are engaged in the admirable work of teaching the young the fear of the Lord. Never service more important; to overlook it would be a grave
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

Accidents, not Punishments
Now, men and brethren, such things as these have always happened in all ages of the world. Think not that this is a new thing; do not dream, as some do, that this is the produce of an overwrought civilization, or of that modern and most wonderful discovery of steam. If the steam engine had never been known, and if the railway had never been constructed, there would have been sudden deaths and terrible accidents, not withstanding. In taking up the old records in which our ancestors wrote down their
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Liii. Repentance Enjoined. Parable of the Barren Fig-Tree.
^C Luke XIII. 1-9. ^c 1 Now there were some present at that very season [At the time when he preached about the signs of the times, etc. This phrase, however, is rather indefinite--Matt. xii. 1; xiv. 1] who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Sabbath Healing. Mustard Seed and Leaven.
(Probably Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 10-21. ^c 10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath day. [Our Lord's habit of teaching in the synagogue, which had been for some time interrupted by his retirement, had probably been revived during the mission of the seventy.] 11 And behold, a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up. [The use of the word "spirit" in this verse indicates that the curvature of the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
(Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 22-35. ^c 22 And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. [This verse probably refers back to verse 10, and indicates that Jesus resumed his journey after the brief rest on the Sabbath day when he healed the woman with the curvature of the spine.] 23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? [It is likely that this question was asked by a Jew, and that the two parables illustrating the smallness of the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
ABOUT two months had passed since Jesus had left Jerusalem after the Feast of Tabernacles. Although we must not commit ourselves to such calculations, we may here mention the computation which identifies the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles of that year [4376] with Thursday the 23rd September; the last, the Great Day of the Feast,' with Wednesday the 29th; the Octave of the Feast with the 30th September; and the Sabbath when the man born blind was healed with the 2nd of October. [4377] In that
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ's Discourses in Peræa - Close of the Peræan Ministry
From the Parables we now turn to such Discourses of the Lord as belong to this period of His Ministry. Their consideration may be the more brief, that throughout we find points of correspondence with previous or later portions of His teaching. Thus, the first of these Discourses, of which we have an outline, [4708] recalls some passages in the Sermon on the Mount,' [4709] as well as what our Lord had said on the occasion of healing the servant of the centurion. [4710] But, to take the first of these
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Historical Situation
1. When Tacitus, the Roman historian, records the attempt of Nero to charge the Christians with the burning of Rome, he has patience for no more than the cursory remark that the sect originated with a Jew who had been put to death in Judea during the reign of Tiberius. This province was small and despised, and Tacitus could account for the influence of the sect which sprang thence only by the fact that all that was infamous and abominable flowed into Rome. The Roman's scornful judgment failed to
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Barren Fig-Tree.
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Completeness and Universality of his Character.
THE next feature we would notice is the completeness or pleromatic fullness of the moral and religious character of Christ. While all other men represent, at best, but broken fragments of the idea of goodness and holiness, he exhausts the list of virtues and graces which may be named. His soul is a moral paradise full of charming flowers, shining in every variety of color under the blue dome of the skies, drinking in the refreshing dews of heaven and the warming beams of the sun, sending its sweet
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Sluggard.
The sluggard. The wishes that the sluggard frames, Prov 6:10; 24:30; 22:13; 20:4 Of course must fruitless prove; With folded arms he stands and dreams, But has no heart to move. His field from others may be known, The fence is broken through; The ground with weeds is overgrown, And no good crop in view. No hardship, he, or toil, can bear, No difficulty meet; He wastes his hours at home, for fear Of lions in the street. What wonder then if sloth and sleep, Distress and famine bring! Can he in
John Newton—Olney Hymns

St. Athanasius,
PART I (AD 325-337) Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria by whom Arius had been excommunicated, died soon after returning home from the Council of Nicaea; and Athanasius, who was then about thirty years of age, was chosen in his stead, and governed the Alexandrian Church for six-and-forty years. Every one knows the name of St. Athanasius, from the creed which is called after it. That creed, indeed, was not made by St. Athanasius himself; but, as the Prayer-book says, it is "commonly called" his, because
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Wesley's Remarkable vitality
1752. Sunday, March 15 (London).--While I was preaching at West Street in the afternoon, there was one of the most violent storms I ever remember. In the midst of the sermon a great part of a house opposite to the chapel was blown down. We heard a huge noise but knew not the cause; so much the more did God speak to our hearts, and great was the rejoicing of many in confidence of His protection. Between four and five I took horse, with my wife and daughter. The tiles were rattling from the houses
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Hopeless Condition of the Left-Behind Ones.
What will happen when Christendom awakens to the solemn fact that the real Church, the Church of God, has been removed from this earth and taken to be with the Lord? Again we say, it is not difficult for our imagination to supply the answer. But we are not left to the exercise of our imagination; the Holy Scriptures contain a plain and full reply to our inquiry. The Word of God intimates that following the Rapture of the saints many of the left-behind ones will earnestly seek the salvation of their
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
Jesus, almost every year, went to Jerusalem for the feast of the passover. The details of these journeys are little known, for the synoptics do not speak of them,[1] and the notes of the fourth Gospel are very confused on this point.[2] It was, it appears, in the year 31, and certainly after the death of John, that the most important of the visits of Jesus to Jerusalem took place. Many of the disciples followed him. Although Jesus attached from that time little value to the pilgrimage, he conformed
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Links
Luke 13:24 NIV
Luke 13:24 NLT
Luke 13:24 ESV
Luke 13:24 NASB
Luke 13:24 KJV

Luke 13:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Luke 13:23
Top of Page
Top of Page