everyWORD Luke 13:22-24:53: Scripture, Outline, Commentary (ESV)

By Leadership Ministries Worldwide

From LMW, the publishers of The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible comes everyWORD, a starting point for pastors, teac

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
• Release date: Mar 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781574074321

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Cover Page for everyWORD Luke Volume 2: 13:22–24:53

everyWORD™—LUKE (Volume 2)

Chapters 13:22–24:53

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION

Copyright © 2020 by LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE.

All other Bible study aids, references, indexes, reference materials

Copyright © 1991 by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photo-copy, recording, or otherwise—without the prior permission of the copyright owners.

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New International Version NT Copyright © 1998

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by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Inc.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture is from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text appearing in this publication is reproduced and published by cooperation between Good News Publishers and Leadership Ministries Worldwide and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited.

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ISBN Softbound Edition: 978-1-57407-456-7

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Leadership Ministries Worldwide

Chattanooga, TN

DEDICATED

To all the men and women of the world who preach and teach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Mercy and Grace of God

&

• Demonstrated to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Ep.1:7)

• Out of the mercy and grace of God, His Word has flowed. Let every person know that God will have mercy upon him, forgiving and using him to fulfill His glorious plan of salvation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (Jn.3:16–17)

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Ti.2:3–4)

everyWORD™

is written for God’s servants to use in their study, teaching, and preaching of God’s Holy Word . . .

• to share the Word of God with the world.

• to help believers, both ministers and laypersons, in their understanding, preaching, and teaching of God’s Word.

• to do everything we possibly can to lead men, women, boys, and girls to give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ and to secure the eternal life that He offers.

• to do all we can to minister to the needy of the world.

• to give Jesus Christ His proper place, the place the Word gives Him. Therefore, no work of Leadership Ministries Worldwide—no Outline Bible Resources—will ever be personalized.

Contents

Acknowledgments and Bibliography

Abbreviations

How to Use everyWORD™

The Gospel According to Luke Introduction

Outline of Luke

Division VI. The Son of Man’s Great Journey to Jerusalem (Stage II): His Teaching and Public Conflict, 13:22–17:10

A. The Saved and the Lost Discussed, 13:22–30

B. The Tragic Rejection of Jesus, 13:31–35

C. The Religionists and Their Error, 14:1–6

D. The Importance of Humility, 14:7–14

E. The Parable of the Great Banquet: The Invitation and People’s Excuses, 14:15–24

F. The Cost of Discipleship, 14:25–35

G. The Parable of the Lost Sheep: The Lost Sinner Out in the World, 15:1–7

H. The Parable of the Lost Coin: The Lost Sinner Within the Home, 15:8–10

I. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: The Lost Son, 15:11–24

J. The Parable of the Older Son: The Self-Righteous Religionist, 15:25–32

K. The Parable of the Unjust Manager: People and Money, 16:1–13

L. The Misunderstandings About Wealth and God’s Kingdom, 16:14–18

M. The Rich Man and Lazarus: The Difference Between the Self-Indulgent and People of Faith, 16:19–31

N. The Christian Disciple and Four Laws, 17:1–10

Division VII. The Son of Man’s Great Journey to Jerusalem (Stage III): His Lessons and Warnings, 17:11–19:27

A. The Lesson on Meeting Needs and Expressing Gratitude, 17:11–19

B. The Coming Day of God’s Kingdom and Jesus’ Return, 17:20–37

C. The Parable of the Unjust Judge: The Secret of Prayer—Persistence, 18:1–8

D. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: The Spirit Needed for Prayer, 18:9–14

E. The Little Children and Jesus, 18:15–17

F. The Rich Young Ruler: The Cost of Eternal Life, 18:18–30

G. The Prediction of the Cross, 18:31–34

H. The Healing of a Blind Beggar: Steps to Getting Help from God, 18:35–43

I. The Conversion of Zacchaeus: The Meaning of Conversion, 19:1–10

J. The Parable of the Ten Servants: Every Person Is Being Tested, 19:11–27

Division VIII. The Son of Man’s Dramatic Entrance into Jerusalem: His Claim and Conflict, 19:28–21:4

A. The Triumphal Entry: Jesus’ Claim to Be King, 19:28–40

B. The Dramatic Prediction: Judgment Upon Jerusalem, 19:41–44

C. The Cleansing of the Temple: The Righteous Anger of Jesus, 19:45–48

D. The Question of Authority: Who Is Jesus? 20:1–8

E. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: The Overview of World History, 20:9–18

F. The Question of Government and Religion: Which Is Supreme? 20:19–26

G. The Question of the Resurrection: The Two Worlds (Earth and Heaven) Differ, 20:27–38

H. The Question of David’s Son: Two Misconceptions Corrected, 20:39–47

I. The Widow’s Offering: The Question of Giving, 21:1–4

Division IX. The Son of Man’s Prophetic Signs: His Prediction Concerning the Fate of Jerusalem and the World, 21:5–38

A. The Predicted Signs of the Present Age, 21:5–11

B. The Tragic Sign Prior to the End: Persecution, 21:12–19

C. The Destruction of Jerusalem, 21:20–24

D. The Coming of Jesus: The Son of Man, 21:25–28

E. The Parable of the Fig Tree: The Signs Are Clearly Seen, 21:29–33

F. The Warning: Watch and Pray for the Day of Jesus’ Return, 21:34–36

G. The Daily Ministry of Jesus, 21:37–38

Division X. The Son of Man’s Last Supper: His Traitor, Instructions and Warnings, 22:1–38

A. The Plot Against Jesus, 22:1–6

B. The Lord’s Supper, 22:7–23

C. The Dispute Over Greatness, 22:24–30

D. The Denial of Peter Foretold: The Great Warning of Satan’s Attack, 22:31–38

Division XI. The Son of Man’s Sufferings: His Agony, Trials, and Crucifixion, 22:39–23:56

A. Jesus’ Great Agony: Bearing Unbelievable Weight, 22:39–46

B. Jesus’ Arrest: Terrible Sins Against the Lord, 22:47–53

C. Peter’s Denial of Jesus: The Great Tragedy of Denial, 22:54–62

D. Jesus Tried Before the Sanhedrin Court: The Phenomenal Claims of Jesus, 22:63–71

E. Jesus’ First Trial Before Pilate and Herod: The Shirking of Duty and Personal Concern, 23:1–12

F. Jesus’ Second Trial Before Pilate: The Tragedy of a Compromising Man, 23:13–25

G. Jesus’ Crucifixion and Its Events, 23:26–49

H. Jesus’ Burial: A Secret Disciple Stirred to Step Forth, 23:50–56

Division XII. The Son of Man’s Glory: His Resurrection and Ascension, 24:1–53

A. Jesus’ Empty Tomb: Its Discovery, 24:1–12

B. Jesus’ Appearance to Two Believers on the Road to Emmaus: An Immortal Journey, 24:13–35

C. Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples: Two Great Statements of the Christian Faith, 24:36–49

D. Jesus’ Last Appearance: The Ascension, 24:50–53

Outline and Subject Index

Acknowledgments and Bibliography

Every child of God is precious to the Lord and deeply loved. And every child as a servant of the Lord touches the lives of those who come in contact with him or his ministry. The writing ministries of the following servants have touched this work, and we are grateful that God brought their writings our way. We hereby acknowledge their ministry to us, being fully aware that there are so many others down through the years whose writings have touched our lives and who deserve mention, but whose names have faded from our memory. May our wonderful Lord continue to bless the ministries of these dear servants—and the ministries of us all—as we diligently labor to reach the world for Christ and to meet the desperate needs of those who suffer so much.

The Greek Sources

Balz, Horst and Schneider, Gerhard M. Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Black, David Alan. Linguistics for Students of New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 1988.

Burton, Ernest De Witt. Syntax of the Moods and Tenses in New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1976. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Cotterell, Peter and Turner, Max. Linguistics and Biblical Interpretation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1989.

Davis, William Hersey. Beginner’s Grammar of the Greek New Testament. New York: Harper & Row, 1923.

Expositor’s Greek Testament, Edited by W. Robertson Nicoll. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1970.

Gilbrant, Thoralf and Harris, Ralph W. The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. Springfield, MO: World Library Press, Inc., 1989. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Guthrie, George H. and Duval, J. Scott. Biblical Greek Exegesis: A Graded Approach to Learning Intermediate and Advanced Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

Harris, Murray J. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: John. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2015.

Kittel, Gerhard and Friedrich, Gerhard. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977.

Kostenberger, Andreas J., Merkle, Benjamin L., and Plummer, Robert L. Going Deeper with New Testament Greek: An Intermediate Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the New Testament. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2016.

Kubo, Sakae. A Reader’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and a Beginner’s Guide for the Translation of New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975.

Moulton, Harold K., ed. The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1977.

Practical Word Studies in the New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1998. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Robertson, A.T. A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1915.

_______. A.T. A Short Grammar of the Greek New Testament. New York: A.C. Armstrong & Son, 1909.

_______. A.T. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1930.

Staats, Gary. Christological Greek Grammar. Austin, TX: Wordsearch Bible Software, 2001.

Strong, James. Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary of the Bible. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Thayer, Joseph Henry. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. New York: American Book Co, n.d.

Vincent, Marvin R. Word Studies in the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1969.

Vine, W.E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of New Testament with Scripture, Subject, and Greek Word Indexes. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 1997. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Wuest, Kenneth S. Word Studies in the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1966.

Young, Richard A. Intermediate New Testament Greek: A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1994.

Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1992. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

The Reference Works

Berkhof, Louis. Principles of Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1950.

Blomberg, Craig. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1987.

Bruce, F. F. New Testament History. New York: Doubleday, 1983. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Bryant, T. Alton, ed. The New Compact Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967.

Butler, Trent C., ed. Holman Bible Dictionary. Nashville: Holman Bible Pub., 1991.

Carson, D. A. and Moo, Douglas. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.

Cruden’s Complete Concordance of the Old & New Testament. Philadelphia: The John C. Winston Co., 1930.

Easton, Matthew G. Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Edersheim, Alfred. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. 1993. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Evans, Craig A. and Porter, Stanley E. Dictionary of New Testament Background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Gromacki, Robert. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1974.

Gundry, Robert. Survey of the New Testament. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.

Guthrie, Donald. New Testament Introduction. rev. ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1981.

Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1996. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Hiebert, D. Edmond. An Introduction to the New Testament. 3 vols. Chicago: Moody Press, 1975–77.

Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the New Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 1981.

Josephus’ Complete Works. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1981.

Kaiser, Walter, Jr., and Silva, Moises. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Klein, William W., Blomberg, Craig L., and Hubbard, Robert, Jr. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Nashville: W Publishing Group, 1993.

Larkin, Clarence. Rightly Dividing the Word. Philadelphia, PA: The Rev. Clarence Larkin Est., 1921.

Lockyer, Herbert. Series of books, including his books on All the Men, Women, Miracles, and Parables of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1958–1967.

Marshall, I. Howard. ed. New Testament Interpretation. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977.

Martin, Ralph. New Testament Foundations. 2 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1975–78.

McGarvey, John William. Lands of the Bible: A Geographical and Topographical Description of Palestine. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Morris, Leon. New Testament Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.

Nave’s Topical Bible. Nashville, TN: The Southwestern Co., n.d.

Orr, James. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1939. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Ramm, Bernard. Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1970.

Ryrie, Charles. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. Chicago: Moody, 1959.

Scroggie, William G. Guide to the Gospels. London: Pickering and Inglis, 1948.

Tenney, Merrill C. Genius of the Gospels. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951.

_______. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1961.

The Amplified New Testament. (Scripture Quotations are from the Amplified New Testament, Copyright 1954, 1958, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.)

The Four Translation New Testament. (Including King James, New American Standard, Williams—New Testament in the Language of the People, Beck—New Testament in the Language of Today.) Minneapolis, MN: World Wide Publications.

The New Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis: B.B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1964,

Unger, Merrill F., Harrison R. K., (ed.). The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2006. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Water, Mark, AMG’s Encyclopedia of Jesus’ Life & Time. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2006. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Willmington, Harold L. Willmington’s Bible Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1997.

_______. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1981.

The Commentaries

Anyabwile, Thabiti. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, Exalting Jesus in Luke. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2018.

Barclay, William. Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, Began in 1953.

Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Classics, 1962. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Barton, Bruce, ed. Life Application Bible Commentary. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., various dates. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Baxter, J. Sidlow. Explore the Book. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1960.

Bock, Darrell L. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Luke 1:1–9:50. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994.

_______. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Luke 9:51–24:53. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1996.

_______. The NIV Application Commentary: Luke. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

Boice, James Montgomery. Expositional Commentary (27 volumes). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, various dates. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Calvin, John. Calvin’s Commentaries. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Elwell, Walter A. Baker Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Evans, Craig A. The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible: The Gospels and Acts. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2013.

_______. Understanding the Bible Commentary Series: Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990.

Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical Illustrator, Mark. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1953.

France, R.T. Teach the Text Commentary Series: Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013.

Garland, David E. and Longman III, Tremper, ed. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised Edition, Volume 9: Luke and Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.

Geldenhuys, Norval. The New International Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1971.

Gilbrant, Thoralf and Harris, Ralph W. The Complete Biblical Library New Testament Commentary. Springfield, MO: World Library Press. 1992. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Grogan, Geoffrey. Focus on the Bible Commentary: Good News from Jerusalem. Fearn, Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2003.

Hendriksen, William. Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1978.

Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Whole Bible. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co.

Holman Bible editorial staff. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2001. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Hughes, R. Kent. Luke: That You May Know the Truth (Preaching the Word commentary series). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2014.

Ironside, H.A. Address on the Gospel of Mark. New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1947.

Jamieson, Robert; Fausset, A. R.; and Brown, David. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Larson, Bruce. Luke: The Preacher’s Commentary, Vol.26. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1983.

Lenski, R.C.H. Commentary on the New Testament: Luke. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2001.

Luck, G. Coleman. Luke: The Gospel of the Son of Man. Chicago: Moody Press, 1960.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (34 volumes). Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2015.

MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Edited by Art Farstad. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.

MacLaren, Alexander. Expositions of the Holy Scriptures (17 volumes). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 1988.

Marshall, I. Howard. The New International Greek Testament Commentary, The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1978.

McGee, J. Vernon. Through the Bible (5 volumes). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1990. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1988.

Nolland, John. Word Biblical Commentary, Luke 1:1–9:20. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1989.

Nolland, John. Word Biblical Commentary, Luke 9:21–18:34. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1993.

Pate, C. Marvin. Moody Gospel Commentary: Luke. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995.

Pfeiffer, Charles F. and Harrison, Everett F., eds. The New Testament & Wycliffe Bible Commentary. New York: The Iverson Associates, 1971. Produced for Moody Monthly. Chicago: Moody Press, 1962.

Phillips, John. Phillips Commentary Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2006.

Poole, Matthew. Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1985.

Rice, John R. The Son of Man: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary on the Gospel According to Luke. Murfreesboro, TN: Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1971.

Sorenson, Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary: Luke. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2014.

Swindoll, Charles R. Swindoll’s New Testament Insights: Insights on Luke. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 2016.

Tasker, RVG. The Gospel According to St. John (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1960.

The Pulpit Commentary, Edited by H.D.M. Spence & Joseph S. Exell. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1950.

Thomas, W.H. Griffith. Outline Studies in the Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1950.

Tittle, Ernest F. The Gospel According to Luke: Exposition and Application. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1951.

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Began in 1958.

Various authors. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (20 volumes). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991–2009. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Various authors. The New American Commentary (43 volumes). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, various dates. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Walvoord, John. The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2004. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Abbreviations

THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

How to Use

everyWORD™

➊ Glance at the Subject Heading. Think about it for a moment.

➋ Glance at the Subject Heading again, and then the Major Points (1, 2, 3, etc.). Do this several times, reviewing them together while quickly grasping the overall subject.

➌ Glance at both the Major Points and Subpoints together while reading the Scripture. Do this slower than Step 2. Note how these points sit directly beside the related verse and simply restate what the Scripture is saying—in Outline form.

➍ Next read the Commentary. Note that the Major Point Numbers in the Outline match those in the Commentary. When applicable, a small raised number (DS1, DS2, etc.) at the end of a Subject Heading or Outline Point directs you to a related Deeper Study (shown on next page) in the Commentary.

➎ and ➏ Finally, read the Thoughts and Support Scriptures (shown on next page).

The everyWORD™ series and study system contains everything you need for sermon preparation and Bible study:

1. The Subject Heading describes the overall theme of the passage and is located directly above the Outline and Scripture (keyed alphabetically).

2. Major Points are keyed with an outline number guiding you to related commentary.

3. Subpoints explain and clarify the Scripture as needed.

4. Commentary is fully researched and developed for every point.

5. Thoughts help apply the Scripture to daily life.

6. Support Scripture provides one or more Bible verses that correspond to the Major Points and Subpoints.

7. Deeper Studies provide in-depth discussions of key words or phrases.

8. Scripture Callouts repeat segments of Scripture used in the Scripture and Outline sections below the Subject Headings.

Woe to me, if I do not preach the gospel!

(1 Co.9:16)

The Gospel According to Luke

Introduction

AUTHOR: Luke (1:3). Luke is also the author of Acts.

The early church fathers held Luke to be the author of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts: Irenaeus (about A.D. 130–200); Clement of Alexandria (about A.D. 150–215); Origen (about A.D. 185–254); and Tertullian (about A.D. 160–200). (See The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 16. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1950, p.1f, for an excellent discussion on the introductory material on Luke.)

A study of both books bears evidence that Luke is the author. The writer was evidently a physician, as Greek medical terms are used. An analysis of the Gospel and Acts together shows the same style and language. There is also a clear understanding of the Roman and Greek world of the first century. The content of the two books shows a strong unity, with emphasis on the resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the person of Christ, and the ministry to the Gentiles.

There is also enormous evidence that the writer of Acts was an acquaintance of Paul. This is clearly seen in the we section of Acts. In three sections of Acts, there is a remarkable switch from they and he to we. The we sections give a first-hand account (Ac.16:10–17; 20:5–21:18; 27:1–28:16).

1. Luke is first seen with Paul at Troas. He switches from using he and they to we. Luke joined Paul on his journey to Philippi and evidently remained in Philippi until Paul returned from Jerusalem (Ac.16:10).

2. Luke later went to Jerusalem with Paul when Paul was arrested (Ac.20:5–21:15).

3. Luke is seen with Paul again while Paul was a prisoner in Caesarea. He also accompanied Paul the prisoner to Rome (Ac.27:1–28:15).

4. Paul calls Luke the beloved physician (Col.4:14; Phile.24).

5. Luke is the last one to remain with Paul in his imprisonment (2 Ti.2:11).

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DATE: uncertain. Probably A.D. 58–62.

The author ends Acts abruptly with Paul’s two-year imprisonment at Rome, so the writing would have been done a number of years after Jesus’ ascension, just prior to the end of Acts. Another factor is that Luke says nothing about the Fall of Jerusalem. The fall of the city was prophesied by Jesus, and it actually took place in A.D. 70; therefore, the writing took place before A.D. 70. Considering these two factors, Luke must have written the Gospel sometime between A.D. 58–62.

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TO WHOM WRITTEN: to the most excellent Theophilus, a Gentile convert (Lu.1:3; Ac.1:1). The words most excellent indicate that he was a high official in the Roman government. The book of Acts is also personally addressed to Theophilus (see note, Theophilus–Ac.1:1 for more discussion).

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PURPOSE: to set forth an eyewitness account of Jesus, the Son of Man, the Savior of the world.

Luke wished Theophilus to know the certainty of those things which he had believed. Thus, Luke sets out to write an orderly and accurate account of the whole life of Jesus (Lu.1:1–4).

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SPECIAL FEATURES:

1. Luke is The Gospel for Man or The Gospel for Gentiles. Luke shows that God is interested in all men everywhere, not just in the Jews (Lu.2:14, 32; 3:38; 4:25–27; 7:2–10; 9:51–54; 10:30–37; 13:29; 17:16; 24:47).

2. Luke is The Gospel of Individuals. Luke shows that Jesus was deeply interested in individuals. He tells of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist (Lu.1:5–25, 39–45; 67–79); of Mary and Martha (Lu.10:38–42); of Zacchaeus (Lu.19:2–10); of Cleopas and his companion (Lu.24:18); and of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in the home of Simon the Pharisee (Lu.7:36f). The parables in Luke also tend to stress individuals, whereas in Matthew they stress the Kingdom.

3. Luke is The Gospel of Salvation. Luke uses the words salvation and Savior or their various forms many more times than any of the other Gospel writers.

4. Luke is The Gospel of Outcasts and Sinners. Luke tells of the feast Matthew held for tax collectors and sinners (Lu.5:30); of the woman anointing Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair (Lu.7:36–50); of tax collectors and sinners drawing near to hear Jesus teach (Lu.15:1). He alone tells of the Prodigal Son (Lu.15:11–32); of the Pharisee and tax collector (Lu.18:9–14); of Zacchaeus, the tax collecting sinner (Lu.19:1–10). Many of his parables center around outcasts (Lu.7:41f; 12:13–21; 16:1–12, 19–31; 18:1–8, 9–14).

5. Luke is The Gospel of the Poor. Luke tells of the shepherds who were poor (Lu.2:8f); of Mary, who made the purification offering of the poor (Lu.2:24; cp. Le.12:8). He says that Jesus came to preach the Gospel to the poor (Lu.4:18–6:20), and the poor have the Gospel preached to them (Lu.7:22).

6. Luke is The Gospel of Women. Luke’s world was a world that treated women only as things, as little more than chattel property, knowing nothing of women’s rights. But Luke gives them a special place. He shows how God honored Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna (Lu.1:5f; 2:25f). He tells about the widow of Nain (Lu.7:11–18); the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet (Lu.7:36–50); and three women who were healed of evil spirits: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna (Lu.8:2–3). He writes about the sisters Mary and Martha (Lu.10:38–42); the bent-over lady (Lu.13:11–13); the widow who gave all to God (Lu.21:1–4); and the women who lined the road and wept as Jesus sagged under the weight and burden of the cross (Lu.23:27–31). He also includes women in some of his parables (Lu.15:8–10; 18:1–8).

7. Luke is The Gospel of Children. The birth of Jesus and John the Baptist are given in detail (Lu.1–2). Luke’s point is to show that God was at work even in the infant stages of the Savior. Luke alone gives the story of Jesus’ boyhood (Lu.2:41–52). He alone emphasizes Jesus’ ministry to the only son and only daughter of a desperate parent (Lu.7:12; 8:42; 9:38).

8. Luke is The Gospel of Prayer or The Gospel of Devotion. Prayer is often emphasized.

a. There are the prayers of Jesus: at His baptism (Lu.3:21); in the wilderness (Lu.5:16); before choosing the disciples (Lu.6:12); immediately prior to predicting His death (Lu.9:18); at the transfiguration (Lu.9:28f); when the seventy returned (Lu.10:17–24, esp. 21–22); before giving the Lord’s Prayer (Lu.11:1); for Peter (Lu.22:32); in the Garden of Gethsemane (Lu.22:39–46); for His enemies (Lu.23:34); and on the cross (Lu.23:46). Most of these are recorded by Luke alone. They show Jesus facing every crisis of life with prayer.

b. There are the parables of Jesus that deal with prayer: the friend at midnight (Lu.11:5–8); the unjust judge (Lu.18:1–8); the Pharisee and Publican (Lu.18:9–14).

c. There are the exhortations and warnings about prayer (Lu.6:28; 11:2; 10:47; 22:40, 46).

9. Luke is The Gospel of Praise. He uses the phrase praising God more than all the rest of the New Testament combined.

a. Some of the great Christian hymns are taken from Luke. The Ava Maria from the words of the angel to Mary (Lu.1:28–33); The Magnificat from Mary’s song (Lu.1:46–55); The Benedictus from Zacharias (Lu.1:68–79); the Gloria in Excelsis from the song of the heavenly angels (Lu.2:13–14); and The Nunc Dimittis from the rejoicing of Simeon (Lu.2:29–32).

b. People are seen praising God when helped (Lu.2:20; 5:25–26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43).

c. The words joy and rejoicing are used time and time again (for example Lu.1:14, 44, 47; 10:21).

d. There are references to laughter (Lu.6:21) and merriment (Lu.15:23, 32) and to joy (Lu.15:6, 9; 19:6).

e. The Gospel ends with joy (Lu.24:52) even as it began with joy (Lu.1:14).

10. Luke is The Gospel of Christ’s Passion. This is seen in three significant emphases.

a. There are the many references to His death. Moses and Elijah discuss Jesus’ death at His transfiguration (Lu.9:31). Luke says the time for Jesus to be received up has arrived (Lu.9:51); therefore, Jesus sets His face to go up to Jerusalem (Lu.9:51). Jesus refers to His death as a baptism and stresses a constraint to accomplish it (Lu.12:50). Jesus sends a message to Herod that after His ministry He will finish His course on the third day (Lu.13:32). He then continues to speak of perishing in Jerusalem (Lu.13:33–35). And Jesus foretells His passion in a statement that is unique to Luke (Lu.17:25).

b. There is lengthy space devoted to the passion narrative.

c. There are the times that Scripture is said to be fulfilled by Jesus’ death (Lu.9:22; 13:33; 17:25; 18:31; 20:17; 22:37; 24:7, 26f, 44, 46).

11. Luke is The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.

a. The persons involved in the preparation for the Savior’s coming are said to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led: John the Baptist (Lu.1:15), Elizabeth and Zechariah (Lu.1:41, 67), and Simeon (Lu.2:25–27).

b. The Holy Spirit is said to be active in the life and ministry of Jesus. Mary was told that the Holy Spirit would come upon her (Lu.1:35). John the Baptist predicted Jesus would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire (Lu.3:16). The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus after His baptism in a bodily shape, like a dove (Lu.3:22). The Holy Spirit filled and led Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Lu.4:1). Jesus returned from His temptations to begin His ministry in Galilee in the power of the Spirit (Lu.4:14). While preaching, He claimed the Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Lu.4:18). He rejoiced in the Spirit when the seventy returned and gave a good report (Lu.10:21); He told His disciples that the Father would give the Spirit to those who asked (Lu.11:13). He said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin (Lu.12:10). He told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say in emergencies (Lu.12:12). He closed His ministry by assuring His disciples, Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you. . . . (Lu.24:49).

Outline of Luke 13:22–24:53

everyWORD™ is unique. It differs from all other study Bibles and sermon resource materials in that every passage and subject is outlined right beside the Scripture. When you choose any subject below and turn to the reference, you have not only the Scripture, but also an outline of the Scripture and subject already prepared for you—verse by verse.

For a quick example, choose one of the subjects below and turn over to the Scripture. You should find this system to be a marvelous help for more organized and streamlined study.

In addition, every point of the Scripture and Outline is fully developed in a Commentary section with supporting Scripture at the end of each point. Again, this arrangement makes sermon or lesson preparation much simpler and more efficient.

Note something else: The subjects of Luke have titles that are both biblical and practical. The practical titles are often more appealing to people. This benefit is clearly seen for use on billboards, bulletins, church newsletters, and so forth.

A suggestion: For the quickest overview of Luke, first read all the Division titles (I, II, III, etc.), then come back and read all the individual outline titles.

Outline of Luke 13:22–24:53

VI. THE SON OF MAN’S GREAT JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (STAGE II): HIS TEACHING AND PUBLIC CONFLICT, 13:22–17:10

A. The Saved and the Lost Discussed, 13:22–30

B. The Tragic Rejection of Jesus, 13:31–35

C. The Religionists and Their Error, 14:1–6

D. The Importance of Humility, 14:7–14

E. The Parable of the Great Banquet: The Invitation and People’s Excuses, 14:15–24

F. The Cost of Discipleship, 14:25–35

G. The Parable of the Lost Sheep: The Lost Sinner Out in the World, 15:1–7

H. The Parable of the Lost Coin: The Lost Sinner Within the Home, 15:8–10

I. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: The Lost Son, 15:11–24

J. The Parable of the Older Son: The Self-Righteous Religionist, 15:25–32

K. The Parable of the Unjust Manager: People and Money, 16:1–13

L. The Misunderstandings About Wealth and God’s Kingdom, 16:14–18

M. The Rich Man and Lazarus: The Difference Between the Self-Indulgent and People of Faith, 16:19–31

N. The Christian Disciple and Four Laws, 17:1–10

VII. THE SON OF MAN’S GREAT JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (STAGE III): HIS LESSONS AND WARNINGS, 17:11–19:27

A. The Lessons on Meeting Needs and Expressing Gratitude, 17:11–19

B. The Coming Day of God’s Kingdom and Jesus’ Return, 17:20–37

C. The Parable of the Unjust Judge: The Secret of Prayer—Persistence, 18:1–8

D. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: The Spirit Needed for Prayer, 18:9–14

E. The Little Children and Jesus, 18:15–17

F. The Rich Young Ruler: The Cost of Eternal Life, 18:18–30

G. The Prediction of the Cross, 18:31–34

H. The Healing of a Blind Beggar: Steps to Getting Help from God, 18:35–43

I. The Conversion of Zacchaeus: The Meaning of Conversion, 19:1–10

J. The Parable of the Ten Servants: Every Man Is Being Tested, 19:11–27

VIII. THE SON OF MAN’S DRAMATIC ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM: HIS CLAIM AND CONFLICT, 19:28–21:4

A. The Triumphal Entry: Jesus’ Claim to be King, 19:28–40

B. The Dramatic Prediction: Judgment Upon Jerusalem, 19:41–44

C. The Cleansing of the Temple: The Righteous Anger of Jesus, 19:45–48

D. The Question of Authority: Who Is Jesus? 20:1–8

E. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: The Overview of World History, 20:9–18

F. The Question of Government and Religion: Which Is Supreme? 20:19–26

G. The Question of the Resurrection: The Two Worlds (Earth and Heaven) Differ, 20:27–38

H. The Question of David’s Son: Two Misconceptions Corrected, 20:39–47

I. The Widow’s Offering or Gift: The Question of Giving, 21:1–4

IX. THE SON OF MAN’S PROPHETIC SIGNS: HIS PREDICTION CONCERNING THE FATE OF JERUSALEM AND THE WORLD, 21:5–38

A. The Predicted Signs of the Present Age, 21:5–11

B. The Tragic Sign Prior to the End: Persecution, 21:12–19

C. The Destruction of Jerusalem, 21:20–24

D. The Coming of Jesus, the Son of Man, 21:25–28

E. The Parable of the Fig Tree: The Signs Are Clearly Seen, 21:29–33

F. The Warning: Watch and Pray for the Day of Jesus’ Return, 21:34–36

G. The Daily Ministry of Jesus, 21:37–38

X. THE SON OF MAN’S LAST SUPPER: HIS TRAITOR, INSTRUCTIONS, AND WARNINGS, 22:1–38

A. The Plot Against Jesus, 22:1–6

B. The Lord’s Supper, 22:7–23

C. The Dispute over Greatness, 22:24–30

D. The Denial of Peter Foretold: The Great Warning of Satan’s Attack, 22:31–38

XI. THE SON OF MAN’S SUFFERINGS: HIS AGONY, TRIALS, AND CRUCIFIXION, 22:39–23:56

A. Jesus’ Great Agony: Bearing Unbelievable Weight, 22:39–46

B. Jesus’ Arrest: Terrible Sins Against the Lord, 22:47–53

C. Peter’s Denial of Jesus: The Great Tragedy of Denial, 22:54–62

D. Jesus Tried Before the Sanhedrin Court: The Phenomenal Claims of Jesus, 22:63–71

E. Jesus’ First Trial Before Pilate and Herod: The Shirking of Duty and Personal Concern, 23:1–12

F. Jesus’ Second Trial Before Pilate: The Tragedy of a Compromising Man, 23:13–25

G. Jesus’ Crucifixion and Its Events, 23:26–49

H. Jesus’ Burial: A Secret Disciple Stirred to Step Forth, 23:50–56

XII. THE SON OF MAN’S GLORY: HIS RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION, 24:1–53

A. Jesus’ Empty Tomb: Its Discovery, 24:1–12

B. Jesus’ Appearance to Two Believers on the Road to Emmaus: An Immortal Journey, 24:13–35

C. Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples: The Great Statements of the Christian Faith, 24:36–49

D. Jesus’ Last Appearance: The Ascension, 24:50–53

VI. The Son of Man’s Great Journey to Jerusalem (Stage II): His Teaching and Public Conflict, 13:22–17:10

A. The Saved and the Lost Discussed, 13:22–30

1. Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem[v.22]

a. He taught in the cities and villages [v.22]

b. Someone questioned Jesus about salvation [v.23]

2. The saved struggle to enter the narrow door, while the lost make little effort[v.24]

3. The saved act soon enough, while the lost wait too late[v.25]

4. The saved are not the citizens of so-called Christian nations or members of certain fellowships or churches[v.26]

5. The lost will be separated from the saved because of their evil[v.27]

a. The lost will suffer unimaginable agony and pain [v.28]

b. The lost will see the saved enter God’s kingdomDS1, 2[v.28]

6. The saved will come from all nations and classes of society[v.29]

Division VI

The Son of Man’s Great Journey to Jerusalem (Stage II): His Teaching and Public Conflict, 13:22–17:10

A. The Saved and the Lost Discussed, 13:22–30

13:22–30

Introduction

Who are the saved? Will many be saved? Christ answers these questions in this passage. However, He does not answer the questions to satisfy curiosity. He answers them to challenge us so that we will make sure we are truly saved, that we have genuinely repented and believed in Jesus Christ. This is, The Saved and the Lost Discussed, 13:22–30.

1. Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem (vv.22–23).

2. The saved struggle to enter the narrow door, while the lost make little effort (v.24).

3. The saved act soon enough, while the lost wait too late (v.25).

4. The saved are not the citizens of so-called Christian nations or members of certain fellowships or churches (v.26).

5. The lost will be separated from the saved because of their evil (vv.27–28).

6. The saved will come from all nations and classes of society (vv.29–30).

1 Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem. (13:22–23)

With verse 22, the setting changes to a different time and place as Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem. This is the second stage of Jesus’ great journey to the cross (see Deeper Study # 1—Lu.9:51; see Lu.17:11).

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a. He taught in the cities and villages (v.22).

As Jesus traveled along, He taught wherever He was. He kept on doing what God sent Him to do, not slacking off nor forgetting His call and mission. The size of the place did not matter; whether He was in a large city or a small village, Jesus reached out to as many people as He could.

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b. Someone questioned Jesus about salvation (v.23).

Somewhere along the way, someone asked Jesus point blank how many people would be saved. The man was not asking how he might be saved but if the saved would be many or few. He may have been asking out of simple curiosity, posing a question often discussed among people: Are most people saved or lost? However, he may have been sincerely asking for clarification about who is truly saved and who is not. The Jews taught that all Israelites would be saved just because they were Jews by birth and circumcision. But Jesus taught that nationality and ritual have nothing to do with salvation, and He always stressed that many are called, but few are chosen. Perhaps the man was asking how to reconcile the two teachings.

In addition, many people had followed Jesus for a time but had turned back. The charisma of Christ drew the multitudes, but they soon discovered that it cost to follow Him. There were those coming and going all the time. As He approached Jerusalem this last time, it was noticeable. There came a day when it was written, ‘And they all forsook him, and fled’ (Mark 14:50).¹ This fact may have prompted the man’s question. Whatever the reason behind it, Jesus used the occasion to speak to them all, the whole multitude.

Thought 1.

Many are curious, but not curious enough to really seek after the Lord for personal salvation. They are ready and willing to discuss religious subjects but unwilling to deny themselves and to diligently seek after God.

Thought 2.

Birth and ritual are not enough to save a person, not even if the ritual is circumcision (for the Jew) or baptism (for the Christian). Baptism no more saves a person born within Christian circles than circumcision saves a Jew born within Jewish circles.

2 The saved struggle to enter the narrow door, while the lost make little effort. (13:24)

Jesus answered with a statement that ought to shake every person into examining themselves to be sure they are truly in the faith (2 Co.13:5): the door to salvation is narrow. Many seek to enter it but are not able. Note the details that reveal the meaning of this crucial statement.

First, the entrance to salvation is a narrow door or gate. This means at least three things:

➢ The way to salvation is specific, very specific.

➢ The way to salvation is the only way. There are not many ways to be saved; there is only one way.

➢ The way to salvation is straight. It is not crooked in direction or purpose or morals. It is the straight way.

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (Jn.14:6)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Ac.4:12)

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Ti.2:5–6)

Second, we are to strive (agōnizesthe, ahg-own-idz’-es-theh) to be saved. The Greek word means to agonize, struggle, contend, exert to the fullest, labor fervently. It is a word used of contending for a prize in an athletic contest. Wholehearted dedication and effort are required to enter the narrow door. But note a critical point: the idea is not that we must work to earn our salvation, but that we must diligently seek God, that we must desire Him with everything within us.

This striving for salvation also speaks of the fact that we must struggle or contend with our sinful human nature in order to be saved. Salvation requires repentance, and repentance is turning from sin. It also requires the total commitment of one’s life to the Lord. [Jesus] made it abundantly clear that it would cost to follow Him. That we in our sophisticated and soft affluency think otherwise is heresy!²

In addition, we need to labor fervently to be make sure we have entered through the narrow door—that we are truly saved. We need to examine our lives diligently, making sure we are bearing the fruits that are consistent with repentance (Mt.3:8–10), that we are truly in the faith (2 Co.13:5).

That they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us. (Ac.17:27; see vv.24–28)

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Co.13:5)

But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him. (1 Jn.2:5)

But from there you will seek the

Lord

your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. (De.4:29)

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Je.29:13)

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the

Lord

, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. (Ho.10:12)

Third, many will seek to enter the door of salvation but will not be able. The reason is what Jesus said. We must "strive" to enter and few are willing to pay the price of self-denial. It costs too much for them to give up the world and selfish desires (see note and Deeper Study # 1—Lu.9:23).

And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (Lu.9:23–24)

3 The saved act soon enough, while the lost wait too late. (13:25)

Jesus followed up with a second statement that ought to shake every human being to the core: the narrow door of salvation will not be open forever. At some point, God—the Master or Owner of the house—will shut the door. Those who are saved act before the door is shut; the lost wait until it is too late. As with Jesus’ previous statement (v.24), the details convey the meaning.

First, the person who strives now can enter the narrow door of salvation. This is seen in the words will seek or will try (v.24). The words are in the future tense; that is, it is in the future that many will seek to enter, and will not be able. Right now, all who strive to enter the door of salvation can be saved.

For he says, In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Co.6:2)

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the

Lord

," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah. (Ps.32:5–7)

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O

Lord

. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. (Ps.69:13)

For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice. (Ps.95:7)

Thus says the

Lord

: In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages. (Is.49:8)

Second, the Master will get up and shut the door to salvation. There is a time limit to salvation. The door will not always be opened.

➢ It is shut at a person’s death. No individual who is presently living has yet had the door shut. But when our appointment with death arrives, it will be shut eternally. For some, the door will be shut within the very next minute, the next hour, the next day (He.9:27).

➢ It is shut when the Lord returns and the great day of judgment takes place. The age of grace and the day of salvation will be closed for the whole world, for every man and woman and child who is of responsible age.

Third, many will knock at the closed door and beg to enter. This is the scene painted by Christ: people crying for mercy and salvation after it is too late. Once a person dies, it is too late. Once Christ returns, it will be too late.

For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Mt.25:29–30; see vv.24–30)

Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. Then they also will answer, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you? Then he will answer them, saying, Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Mt.25:41–46)

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. (He.9:27)

For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. (He.12:17)

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. (Je.8:20)

4 The saved are not the citizens of so-called Christian nations or members of certain fellowships or churches. (13:26)

The saved are not necessarily those who profess Christ or sit under His teaching. Nor are they the citizens of any specific nation or the members of any particular denomination or church. Note the exact words of people when they stand before the Lord:

➢ We ate and drank in Your presence.

➢ You taught in our streets.

Of course, Jesus was speaking to those who stood before Him as He taught that day, as well as of all who personally experienced His earthly ministry. However, the correlation to those of succeeding generations is clear. Many will say, We fellowshiped and worshiped in your presence—in churches. Or, We heard your Word taught and preached. Others will point to the works they did in Jesus’ name (Mt.7:22).

However, such are only professing believers; they are not genuine believers. They are people who had all the privileges of the gospel. Some are even baptized church members and moral persons, but they never dedicated their whole beings to strive after salvation (see outline and notes—Jn.1:12–13; Ph.3:7–11). They never repented and genuinely believed unto salvation. They continued to live worldly and unrighteous lives.

Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Mt.7:21)

And he said to them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.’ (Mk.7:6)

Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell