Making the Cut

Making the Cut Michael Morse / General CrossFit / Salvation; Will; Effort; Hell / Luke 13:22-35 Introduction The chance to compete in the Olympics is the opportunity of a lifetime. It is a special accomplishment to make the team to represent your country. It requires dedication, commitment, effort, sacrifice among other traits. It does not happen by accident. Sadly 2020 saw the Olympic games cancelled and those who had set their goal to achieving the dream of making the cut for the Olympics see the door closing on that dream. There is only limited time for most to be at peak performance to have a chance at making the cut. Remember those commercials that would air - of someone competing and performing at record level achieving the victory? The person would see themselves superimposed over the body of the athlete and standing basking in the victory. Then suddenly a voice calls their name and they are shaken and woken and they realize it was all a dream - they only dreamed of victory - never had a hope of even competing let alone winning. When it comes to Spiritual CrossFitness we are in a competition or race if you will known as life. Only we are not competing against one another as the world would have you believe rather we are competing against ourselves. While we may only dream of victory in the Olympics we have the hope of victory in life - salvation. Victory is assured to all who are in Christ Jesus - the prize our salvation is not like any other prize it does not fade away it is eternal. Unlike the Olympics where you must strive to make the cut and then strive to win - in the Christian life we strive to make the cut and are guaranteed the win - but we must first make the cut to get on the team. Thats where we find ourselves this morning in Luke's Gospel. Lets look what Jesus says about making the cut. Luke 13:22-24 CSB 22 He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 "Lord," someone asked him, "are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, 24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won't be able Luke 13:25-26 CSB 25 once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up for us!' He will answer you, 'I don't know you or where you're from.' 26 Then you will say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' Luke 13:27-28 CSB 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I don't know you or where you're from. Get away from me, all you evildoers!' 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. Luke 13:29-31 CSB 29 They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God. 30 Note this: Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last." 31 At that time some Pharisees came and told him, "Go, get out of here. Herod wants to kill you." Luke 13:32-33 CSB 32 He said to them, "Go tell that fox, 'Look, I'm driving out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.' 33 Yet it is necessary that I travel today, tomorrow, and the next day, because it is not possible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. Luke 13:34-35 CSB 34 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See, your house is abandoned to you. I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'!" Not Everyone Will Make the Cut Make every effort that you are one Christian Standard Bible Chapter 13 22 He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 "Lord," someone asked him, "are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, 24 "Make every effort to enter Jesus went through town and village one after the other, on His way to His ultimate destination - JERUSALEM. He didnt just beeline for Jerusalem however, He methodically went around each village and town and was teaching - as He made His way to Jerusalem. Jesus was always about His ever present mission from God the Father, to go and lay His life down as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. This did not mean however He was so focused He forgot about His other mission to come and preach the coming kingdom of God and to proclaim the day of salvation. It was in the midst of this teaching and proclaiming the coming kingdom and salvation that Jesus is asked a question by someone. "Are ONLY a few people going to be saved?" This is the wrong question to be asking. We can get so wrapped up in the hypothetical we are distracted from the ultimate question - Am I Saved? The man asked are only a few being saved - Jesus responds in such a way as to refocus on the important question - am I one of the saved? Jesus says make every EFFORT to enter Effort - agonizomai - where we get our English word agonize - speaks of struggling, fighting or even used in the sense of contending for the prize in the games Strenuous effort is required - entering through will not happen by accident. You cannot just stroll through - it will require strength of will and a struggle to follow Jesus on the path of discipleship. Entering through requires more concentrated effort than most people are willing to put forth. 1 Corinthians 9:24 CSB 24 Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Jesus puts the onus on the individual to make every effort for themselves. Dont worry about the majority but instead make sure you, yourself will indeed enter through. What matters is not who else is saved, what matters is HAVE YOU MADE THE EFFORT TO ENTER? The door is narrow Luke 13:24 CSB 24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won't be able Jesus says we must enter through the narrow door. The door is narrow not to keep people out but for a couple of reasons. 1. We must enter individually and one at a time. Salvation is not something you inherit from Mom and Dad or that you share because of your spouse. Salvation comes from each individual entering through the narrow door of believing in Jesus Christ as Savior 2. There is only one way to enter Jesus is the only one who has laid down His life and bought redemption through His own blood. Ephesians 1:7 CSB 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace Everyone must enter through the narrow door - bending or twisting as necessary in order to walk through. Jesus says many will try to enter and wont be able to. For whatever reason they refuse to fit through the narrow door. Many will try all sorts of different ways, but only those who do it the right way will fit through and enter. • Enter through Jesus - He is the door • New Birth - Born of the Spirit • Saved by grace through faith Good works are not the effort Jesus says is required and is not the right doorway. There are many obstacles also that prevent entry through the narrow doorway and this is why we must strive and agonize. • The world • The devil • Our very own flesh We must choose to crucify ourselves and our flesh and die with Christ (remember this is what it means to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus) The door is open only for a short time Christian Standard Bible Chapter 13 25 once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door Jesus next tells us something about the door - the homeowner is one who controls whether the door is open or shut. What's more distressing is there is coming a time when the door will be shut. It is urgent to enter through the door while it is opened. Once the door is shut it is closed, you cannot open the door only the homeowner opens and closes the door. The homeowner is God. Only God can open and close the door to salvation - dont let anyone stop you from entering and dont try to close the door for anyone else going through either. Once the door is closed - it is closed - those it is closed on wont make the cut. Those Who Dont Make the Cut Proximity is Not Enough Christian Standard Bible Chapter 13 Then you will stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up for us!' He will answer you, 'I don't know you or where you're from.' 26 Then you will say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I don't know you or where you're from. Get away from me, all you evildoers!' Jesus now begins to paint the picture for those who dont make the cut. They will be on the other side of the closed door knocking and begging - even calling "Lord" to no avail. In fact Jesus then tells of the homeowner uttering the most terrifying words that God could ever say - "I don't know you" Just because one says Jesus is Lord doesnt mean one believes it or acts upon it Luke 6:46 CSB 46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things I say? If you dont obey someone are they really your Lord? Just because you call Jesus Lord doesnt mean you are saved Matthew 7:21 CSB 21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Just because you do good works in Jesus name doesnt mean you are saved Matthew 7:22-23 CSB 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?' 23 Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!' Judas Iscariot is proof that you can spend time around Jesus learn from Jesus and still not be saved by Jesus. Jesus is saying that those left outside will come saying we were with you eating and drinking - you taught in our cities, but the reply is "I" do not know "YOU" - There point being made is that there is no relationship. In todays language we might say something like - we came to church and heard your word, we pray for meals Jesus is asking - but did you go through the door? It is not enough to be close in proximity to Jesus you must enter into relationship with Jesus - you must know Jesus and He must know you. Without relationship - you will hear Get away from me - evildoers If you rely on proximity to Jesus and not relationship you will be closed out Without relationship with Jesus we remain lawbreakers, evil doers, and dead in our sins Will Be Thrown Out Luke 13:28 CSB 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. Jesus describes the fate for those who are shut out of the kingdom of God. They may see their ancestors and their heritage taking part in the kingdom but they themselves shall be thrown out. Cast away or cast out from the presence of. Hell is a real place and destination for those who do not strive to enter the narrow door. When the door gets shut the only other place to go is cast out into Hell. There is no other alternative. We are either in the kingdom of God or headed for eternal punishment The description that Jesus gives of what those thrown out will experience is haunting. Jesus repeatedly uses this description for Hell - "weeping and gnashing of teeth" Those who find themselves in this place are those who refuse to make every effort to enter through the narrow door, those who choose not to strive and agonize for the kingdom of God. Perhaps thinking its too much effort and exertion. They would rather enjoy their best life now and live as if every day is Friday, but 80 years isnt worth eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth. No matter which is chosen entering in or staying out there will be agony; it just one lasts eternity an the other only in this life. Hell is not the giant party some like to think it is. Jesus says it is nothing but suffering and despair. We may think Hell is unfair also - but consider this Weeping speaks of sorrow or remorse - Gnashing of teeth speaks of violent hatred of God The sufferings of hell will not change the heart of man Anyone Who Wants To Will Make the Cut The door is open for many Luke 13:29-30 CSB 29 They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God. 30 Note this: Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last." Though the door to the kingdom of God and to salvation is described as narrow Jesus wants them and us this morning to know that it is open wide. Check out what He says - "they will come from east and west and from north and south" to share the banquet of God Jesus says that they - those in the kingdom of God will come from every cardinal direction - north, south, east and west. When used like this it means from everywhere or when talking about people it means all people. Not every person but people from all nations, people of every nation and place. Jesus is saying the kingdom and salvation is open to all peoples Jesus then continues on and says that the last shall be first and the first shall be last, and here is explaining and removing misconception held among Jews and by others. Really it is rooted in racism and sin - but the kingdom of God is above that and is no respecter of persons The Jews thought they had the place of prominence and position. They would be first and preeminent in everything as God's chosen people. Here Jesus is saying they would enter into the kingdom (as a national whole ) last if at all. They would find themselves left out for a time - until the tribulation period and the second coming of Jesus Gentiles - basically anyone who wasnt a Jew were seen by the Jews as second rate and last for everything. Jesus here is stating those who are viewed as last and least deserving would be the first to enter into the kingdom of God Racial identity is no barrier to salvation and no guarantee of salvation either - same is true today The door is open for salvation - that is the point Jesus wants to make Jesus completed the work Luke 13:31-33 CSB 31 At that time some Pharisees came and told him, "Go, get out of here. Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go tell that fox, 'Look, I'm driving out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.' 33 Yet it is necessary that I travel today, tomorrow, and the next day, because it is not possible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. Some Pharisees come to Jesus and tell Him a warning (either to warn or maybe scare off). They said go and get out of here Herod wants to kill you. Perhaps even more dastardly they are trying to prevent Jesus from continuing His journey and achieving His goal of reaching Jerusalem Jesus replies - go tell that fox look I am driving out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow speaking of the time He has left not a literal 2 days - He wouldn't be in Jerusalem in 3 days but rather Jesus is speaking to the time He has left before His divine appointment No power on earth could harm or stop Jesus until that appointed time On the third day - again not a literal day but referring to the final day - perhaps Luke even wrote this with the goal of the readers perhaps hearing the third day and reflecting on the resurrection of Christ. On the final day Jesus says His work will be completed - literally "I will be finished" The final statement on the cross from Jesus was the word - Tetelestai Tetelestai - It is finished or paid in full Jesus referred to the 3rd day because He knew His death would complete the work that His father had given to Him and the resurrection would be the reminder that in Christs sacrifice our debt has been paid - through Him we enter the narrow door! You Have to Want it Luke 13:34-35 CSB 34 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See, your house is abandoned to you. I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'!" Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem shows us a wonderful truth - God's incredible patience. Jerusalem (Israel) killed her prophets and all spokesmen sent to her. God continues though even sending Jesus - Messiah - Gods only begotten Son. In verse 35 Jesus says their house was abandoned to them - God has left them - but look - even then they have opportunity for though they have rejected their Messiah - they will see Jesus again in the future. This is in two senses The first sense is Palm Sunday The second sense is when they welcome their Messiah finally and fully when Christ Returns at the end of the tribulation Look at the words of Jesus How often I wanted to - but you were not willing Jesus wanted to gather Jerusalem's children (people) together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. A picture of safety, shelter and protection No matter how much Jesus wanted it - it didnt happen - why they werent willing - they didnt want it Literally they were unwilling - their will was not for that They didnt want the kingdom They didnt want Jesus as their Messiah The difficulty of doing what He wanted lay in their stubborn will - Jesus was definitely willing But now they are left abandoned Jesus willed to gather and the people were unwilling - the battle of the wills in salvation and the kingdom of God. Unless one is willing themselves it doesnt matter how willing Jesus is - thats the power of choice God gave us There are consequences for being unwilling though - Jerusalem was destroyed and laid desolate in 70 A.D. Conclusion The question is not how many will be saved, but whether you will be saved. This must be settled first and foremost, and then you can look for what you can do to lead others to salvation. Instead of entering the kingdom some only want to ask questions about it. Salvation is not a theory to be discussed but a miracle we must experience. Jesus weeps as sinners pass their opportunities to be saved - Opportunity is here now - dont think you have time to wait for another one - the door is open now but may soon be closed. Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only cash you have Why do some wait too long and find themselves thrown out? 1. Salvation is not easy - you must enter the narrow way and walk the narrow path 2. False sense of security - we have enough time left or we are familiar with Jesus and think that means He knows us 3. Pride - we cant accept that the work is done for us we have to be able to contribute something to our salvation - we do we are the sinners The number one reason is given by Jesus Himself - You are not willing The longer one waits the harder their heart becomes - its the consequence of delay and continual choice Hebrews 4:7 CSB 7 he again specifies a certain day-today. He specified this speaking through David after such a long time: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Page . Exported from Logos Bible Software, 1:39 PM November 7, 2020.