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Day 179

Luke 13 :22 - 30 "FALSE ASSUMPTIONS"

Day 179 – Luke 13

Text: Luke 13 :22 – 30

FALSE ASSUMPTIONS

Many people did not come to full faith in Jesus for salvation, because of the false assumptions they laboured under. One of those assumptions was that if they could claim that they were “children of Abraham” then surely God would look upon them favourably, for Abraham’s sake.

This was a false assumption that John the Baptiser addressed and rejected when he preached about the kingdom of God. John powerfully taught,

“Brood of vipers! Who warned you
to flee from the wrath to come?
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
And do not begin to say to yourselves,
‘We have Abraham as our father’
For I say to you that God is able
To raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”
Luke 3:7-8

Quite obviously, the words of John the Baptiser did not fall on good ground. Jesus had to deal with the same problem. Many felt that to have Abraham as their ancestor counted for everything. They had misunderstood the application of the Abrahamic Covenant! They had laboured under false assumptions! If they continued to close their minds to the teachings of Jesus, they would one day find themselves totally excluded!

“THERE WILL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH…” Luke 13:28

Jesus painted a picture of “the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:28) with these words,

“When you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God…”
Luke 13:28

Yes, as believed, Abraham would be included in the kingdom of God. So would Isaac and Jacob be included in the kingdom of God. It would not be difficult to picture the faithful prophets being included in the kingdom of God.

Then Jesus made a powerful statement as He applied this illustration to the hearers,

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth…
when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob…
AND YOURSELVES THRUST OUT.”
Luke 13:28

Jesus took the argument of John the Baptiser one step further. He brought John’s argument to its logical end. If the “children of Abraham” did not sincerely repent from their wicked deeds, and turn to Jesus the Messiah for salvation, they would find themselves thrust out of God’s kingdom when they are judged by God!

They would weep with frustration and anger then, but that would be of no use whatsoever! Tears of sorrow and regret would be too late! The narrow gate or door would be shut forever!

“THEY WILL COME FROM THE EAST AND THE WEST, FROM THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH, AND SIT DOWN IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” Luke 13:29

Who else would be included in the kingdom of God? Surely not just the patriarchs and the prophets of God? Who else would be included?

Jesus answered and said that there would be indeed many who would be saved. They would come from the four corners of the earth… and all would have come through the narrow door. The Householder would open the door to all who would knock at that door.

Would there be “Gentiles” in the multitude of people who are going to be included in the kingdom of God? Though Jesus did not elaborate, it is quite likely that when He painted a wonderful picture of how people from all over the world would one day find faith in Him, Gentiles would be included!

This was like rubbing salt to a festering, open wound! That really must riled the Scribes and the Pharisees, and every proud Jew! Was Jesus saying that just about everybody would be included, and they were going to be left out?

“AND INDEED THERE ARE LAST WHO WILL BE FIRST, AND THERE ARE FIRST WHO WILL BE LAST.” Luke 13:30

It is not an uncommon thing to have people who thought of themselves as “first” and others “last”. In just about every society, there would be people who would esteem themselves as “better” or “superior” to others.

The Scribes and the Pharisees prided themselves as “first”. There were many whom they despised and whom they regarded as “last”. They classified tax-collectors and “sinners” as belonging to the latter category. Gentiles belong to the lowest possible category. Some even thought of Gentiles as fuel for Hell’s furnaces.

They were totally unprepared for Jesus’ dismissal of their thoughts. Many who thought themselves as “first” would find to their horror that they were wrong all along! Those who did not think much of themselves would discover to their surprise and delight that they are included in the kingdom of God! They were not “last” after all. To be included into God’s kingdom was to be “first”.

ARE YOU IN GOD’S KINGDOM?

There are few questions to which we must have answers as this one! Let us summarize the way of salvation. Let us broadly think of three things.

1. It involves recognition of our sinful state.

2. It involves true repentance, and that always includes appropriate fruit.

3. It involves entering through the narrow door… faith in Jesus and following Him!