Luke 13:24

Lithuanian (LBD) 2012 (Biblija arba Šventasis Raštas)

„Pasistenkite įeiti pro ankštus vartus! Sakau jums, daugelis bandys įeiti, bet neįstengs.

What Does This Mean?

Jesus is speaking in this verse and tells people to work hard at entering through a narrow gate because many will try but fail. The key message here is the importance of striving for salvation, as it's not guaranteed.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're trying to enter a very small door to get into an amazing party. Jesus says that lots of people will want to get in through this tiny door, but only those who really try hard will make it inside and enjoy the fun!

Historical Background

This verse is part of Luke's Gospel, written around 80-100 AD. Luke addresses both Jewish and Gentile Christians, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Jesus as Messiah amidst the cultural context of Roman rule and diverse religious practices.

Living It Out Today

In today’s world, this can mean putting effort into following Jesus' teachings, like attending church regularly, reading the Bible, or helping others. It's about making a conscious choice to be part of God’s family, despite distractions and obstacles.

Topics

• salvation
• striving
• narrow gate
• repentance
• faith
• access to God

Related Verses

• Matthew 7:13-14
• John 6:51
• Acts 14:22
• Romans 8:14
• Ephesians 2:8-9

Recommended Reading

Commentary Luke Commentaries → Salvation Books on Salvation → Striving Books on Striving →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the gate described as 'strait' or 'narrow'?

The narrow gate symbolizes the difficulty and exclusivity of true salvation. It emphasizes that not everyone will enter, stressing the need for genuine effort and commitment to Jesus.

What does it mean to strive in this context?

Striving here means making a dedicated effort to follow Jesus' teachings and live a life aligned with His values. It's about putting in hard work to enter into God’s kingdom.

How do we know if we're striving enough?

You can tell you are striving enough when your actions reflect the love and teachings of Jesus, such as caring for others, seeking forgiveness, and making time for spiritual growth through prayer and study.

What happens to those who seek but cannot enter?

Those who seek entry but do not make it in often lack genuine commitment or have failed to follow Jesus' teachings fully. They miss out on eternal life with God due to their choices.