What does Jesus mean when he says that the door of salvation is narrow (13:24)?

Jesus says that many people will seek to enter through the narrow door of salvation, but will not be able (13:24). What does this mean? Why would someone be unable to enjoy Jesus’s free offer of salvation?

In what ways is the Kingdom of God inclusive (and easy to enter into)? In what ways is the Kingdom of God exclusive (and difficult to enter into)?

Jesus says that at some point, the master of the house will rise and shut the door (13:25). When will the door of salvation be closed?

13:25-28 seems to imply that there will be people who think that they are saved, but will be surprised to find themselves left out of God’s Kingdom. Who are these people? How can we be sure that we are not among them?

How can we, as Christians, have real, deep, abiding assurance of our salvation?

What does Jesus mean when he says that people will come from the east, west, north, and south to be in the Kingdom of God (13:29)? Why might this have been upsetting to the people in attendance who were listening?

Jesus implies that the economy of the Kingdom of God rewards humility and lowliness, rather than self-promotion and self-exaltation (13:30). What are some behaviors that this verse is cautioning us against? What are some behaviors that it is encouraging us toward?

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