Lk13:22-30 To Know and Be Known

# To Know and Be Known
## Luke 13:22-30
[Daniel von Appen](https://unsplash.com/photos/NVnU0WIhC28 "caption")

>>>
+ Is it possible to be fully **convinced** you're a Chr
  + to **listen** to the Word of God daily
  + even **teach** it to others
+ in the end, **reach** the gates of heaven, 
  + and find them **locked** to you?

---

# How do I **know** I am saved?

>>>
+ it's one thing to **know** who God is
  + it's another to be **known** by the King of kings
+ today's passage: Luke 13
  + draw **near** to behold the Lamb

______

+ Reveal **Your** heart of mercy to us
+ Reveal **our** own hearts, to examine **accurately**

******
[22](# "ref")
He went on his way 
through towns and villages, 
teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.

[23](# "ref")
And someone said to him, 
“Lord, will those who are saved be few?”

[Luke 13:22-30 (ESV) (p.1/6)](# "ref")

******
And he said to them, 
[24](# "ref")
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. 
For many, I tell you, will seek to enter 
and will not be able.

[Luke 13:22-30 (ESV) (p.2/6)](# "ref")

******
[25](# "ref")
When once the master of the house 
has risen and shut the door,

and you begin to stand outside 
and to knock at the door, 
saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’

then he will answer you, 
‘I do not know where you come from.’

[Luke 13:22-30 (ESV) (p.3/6)](# "ref")

******
[26](# "ref")
Then you will begin to say, 
‘We ate and drank in your presence, 
and you taught in our streets.’

[27](# "ref")
But he will say, 
‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. 
Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’

[Luke 13:22-30 (ESV) (p.4/6)](# "ref")

******
[28](# "ref")
In that place there will be 
weeping and gnashing of teeth,

when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob 
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God

but you yourselves cast out.

[Luke 13:22-30 (ESV) (p.5/6)](# "ref")

******
[29](# "ref")
And people will come from east and west, 
and from north and south, 
and recline at table in the kingdom of God.

[30](# "ref")
And behold, some are last who will be first, 
and some are first who will be last.”

[Luke 13:22-30 (ESV) (p.6/6)](# "ref")

---

## To Know and Be Known [(Lk13)](# "ref")
1. **Seeking** to Enter [(v22-24)](# "ref")
1. **Known** by the Master [(v25-27)](# "ref")
1. Looking In from the **Outside** [(v28-30)](# "ref")

>>>
1. set stage: **audience**
2. call/response: master's **test**
3. warning about future: kindness + **severity** of God

---

He went on his way through towns and villages, 
teaching and journeying toward **Jerusalem**.

[23](# "ref")
And someone said to him, 
“Lord, will those who are **saved** be **few**?”

[Luke 13:22-23](# "ref")

>>>
+ ministry mostly **Galilee**; trips to Jeru **signif.**
+ fiercest opposition in **Jeru**
  + v31 **Herod** seeking to kill
+ Jeru: **temple**, preserve **worship** of God
  + despite **conq** by Greeks, Romans
+ In society incr. **pagan**, hostile to God
  + Jeru: traditional **values**
+ "We are the **faithful few**" -- **chosen** elite, right?
+ Christ's **reply**: yes, only a **few**,
  + but **not** how you think!

---

And he said to them, 
“Strive to enter through the narrow door.

For many, I tell you, will **seek** to enter 
and will not be **able**.

[Luke 13:24 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ seek (zeal): **desire**, consumed by
+ not those who **don't care** about God, but
  + those who **believe** self saved but **aren't**
+ able (**strong**): unable to overcome
+ take for **granted** being saved
  + assume salvation **automatic**
  + inherited, **born** into it, "always been a Chr"
+ **surprised** when denied entry
+ God instructed **Jeremiah** 
  + to stand in the temple **gates**
  + and say to all who **entered**:

---

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 
**Amend** your ways and your deeds, 
and I will let you **dwell** in this place.

[4](# "ref")
Do not trust in these **deceptive** words: 
‘This is the **temple** of the Lord, 
the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’

[Jeremiah 7:3-4 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Old City of Jerusalem, Damascus Gate. Leila Maziz. © UNESCO, CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO](http://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/108391 "caption")

>>>
+ so we who attend **church** and
  + feel **secure** that we're good Christians:
+ "but I go to **church**! to church! to church!"
  + "but I'm **baptised**! baptised! baptised!"
+ accustomed to the **trappings** of Chr life
  + take for **granted** that we're saved
+ put our **trust** in the **symbols** + liturgy
  + rather than in the **person** of Christ
+ parallel passage in **Mt7**
  + draws a **comparison** of 2 gates, 2 roads:

---

Enter by the **narrow gate**.

For the gate is **wide** and the way is **easy** 
that leads to **destruction**, 
and those who enter by it are **many**.

[14](# "ref")
For the gate is **narrow** and the way is **hard** 
that leads to **life**, and those who find it are **few**.

[Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Jens Lelie](https://unsplash.com/photos/u0vgcIOQG08 "caption")

>>>
+ Yes, returning to our **Shepherd** is coming **home**
+ But that doesn't mean it's **default** path --
  + what comes **naturally** to us is **sin**!
+ this is why Jesus commands us in v24 to **strive**:

---

And he said to them, 
“**Strive** to enter through the **narrow door**.

For many, I tell you, will seek to enter 
and will not be able.

[Luke 13:24 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Braden Collum](https://unsplash.com/photos/ttbCwN_mWic "caption")

>>>
+ strive (**agony**): conflict, struggle
  + as in **battle** or in **competition**
  + focus not on **pain**, but **exertion**
  + e.g., 1Co9:25 **athlete** control self
+ Struggle not against **others** who might enter
  + nor trying to **be better** / holier
+ But against own natural **inclinations**:
  + **Laziness** in relying on religious symbols, acts
+ **Pride** in believing I'm **entitled** to salvation
  + bc of how I've **served** God
  + or **suffered** from others

---

# Do I **agonise** over my salvation, or take it for **granted**?

>>>
+ not just **trying** harder
  + "what more do you **expect** of me, God?"
+ but seeking to know what God **wants**
  + w/attitude of **obedience** + humility

---

## To Know and Be Known [(Lk13)](# "ref")
1. Seeking to Enter [(v22-24)](# "ref")
1. **Known by the Master** [(v25-27)](# "ref")
1. Looking In from the Outside [(v28-30)](# "ref")

>>>
+ so if not all who **seek** to enter **can**,
+ then what is the **test**?
+ Who are the ones who can **enter**?

---

When once the **master of the house** 
has risen and **shut** the door,

and you begin to **stand** outside 
and to **knock** at the door, 
saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’

then he will answer you, 
‘I do not **know** where you come from.’

[Luke 13:25 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Chefchaouen, Mexico. Randy Tarampi](https://unsplash.com/photos/Y05TMi8ZFHA "caption")

>>>
+ Large houses often **open** daytime: **biz**, visit
  + **Locked** at night: no **guests** normally
+ Master is **known** to seekers, but
  + seekers **not** known by master
+ what was the **nature** of the relationship?

---

Then you will begin to say, 
‘We **ate and drank** in your presence, 
and you **taught** in our streets.’

[Luke 13:26 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Aaron Burden](https://unsplash.com/photos/c333d6YEhi0 "caption")

>>>
+ **enjoyed** blessings from God
  + He **provides** abundantly for our needs
+ || **read** Bible, listen to sermons
  + **passive**, received from God
+ God **blesses** us, so He must be **pleased** with us?
+ Parallel in Mt goes even **further**:

---

On that day many will say to me, 
‘Lord, Lord, did we not **prophesy** in your name, 
and **cast out demons** in your name, 
and do many **mighty works** in your name?’

[Matthew 7:22 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Los Angeles. Edwin Andrade](https://unsplash.com/photos/6liebVeAfrY "caption")

>>>
+ (1) prophesy: **preaching**, teach others
+ (2) demons: acts of **healing**, counselling
  + **service**, volunteering
+ (3) perform **miracles** in Jesus' name
  + not just from **own** strength:
+ God **answered** our prayers,
  + so He must be **pleased** with us, right?

---

[25](# "ref")
Then he will answer you, 
‘I do not **know** where you come from.’

______

[27](# "ref")
But he will say, 
‘I tell you, I do not **know** where you come from.

[Luke 13:25,27 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Ukraine. Paul Itkin](https://unsplash.com/photos/xCdFXXoZkJc "caption")

>>>
+ "know **you**, where you **come** from": you're a **stranger**
+ Forgotten Jesus is a **person**:
  + not **vending machine** of blessing
  + not **cosmic power** I can wield
+ Discipleship means **following** Christ
  + As 12 disciples **lived** w/, learned from Jesus
+ Orient whole **life** around the **relationship**
  + Not just a weekly **dose** added to regular life

---

Depart from me, all you **workers of evil**!

[Luke 13:27 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ without that, all my acts of **service**
  + become acts of **evil**
+ parallel passage in **Mt7**:

---

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.

[Matthew 7:21 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Montreal, CA. Marc-Olivier Jodoin](https://unsplash.com/photos/TStNU7H4UEE "caption")

>>>
+ but what is God's **will**?
  + I **pray**, ask A vs B
  + God doesn't **answer** me
+ what **work** does God want me to do?

---

[27](# "ref")
Do not **work** for the food that perishes,

but for the food that endures to **eternal life**, 
which the **Son of Man** will give to you.

For on him God the Father has set his **seal**.”

[John 6:27-29 (ESV) (p.1/2)](# "ref")
[Geran de Klerk, Gävle, Sweden](https://unsplash.com/photos/WJkc3xZjSXw "caption")

---

[28](# "ref")
Then they said to him, 
“What must we **do**, 
to be doing the **works of God**?”

[29](# "ref")
Jesus answered them, 
“This is the **work** of God, 
that you **believe** in him whom he has **sent**.”

[John 6:27-29 (ESV) (p.2/2)](# "ref")

>>>
+ ok so we just **believe** in Jesus, and that's it?
  + **faith** in action
+ showing **mercy**:
  + 13:10-17 daughter of Abraham
  + 14:1-6 rescue cow on Sabbath
+ **obedience**, full **submission** to Christ

---

If anyone wishes to **come after** Me, 
he must **deny** himself, 
and take up his **cross** daily and **follow** Me.

[24](# "ref")
For whoever wishes to **save** his life will **lose** it, 
but whoever **loses** his life for **My sake**, 
he is the one who will **save** it.

[Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Lac d'Anterne, France.  Hugues de Buyer-Mimeure](https://unsplash.com/photos/-wT0iS-TSZM "caption")

>>>
+ Jesus' **call** to disciples:
  + **Follow** Me
+ **deny** self: not be **boss** of own life
+ take up **cross**: put to **death**
  + what remains of **sinful** nature
+ emulate the **heart** of Christ: His **love**
  + until our love is **perfected**
+ when we see Him **face** to face:

---

For now we see in a mirror **dimly**, 
but then **face to face**.

Now I know in **part**; then I shall know **fully**, 
even as I have been **fully known**.

[1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ all the **symbolism** + liturgy of religion
  + doesn't fully **show** us who God is
  + only a **part**
+ to **follow** after Christ means
  + a **relationship** with Him
  + learning His **heart**
+ not only to **know** of Him
  + but to be **fully known** by Him

---

# Do I seek Christ's **blessings** or **power**, but not His **heart**?

>>>
+ I've **eaten** + drunk in His presence
  + **heard** His Word/teaching
+ prayed and He's **answered**
  + performed **mighty** deeds
+ But do I have a **relationship** with Jesus?
  + **believe** in Him, faith in **action**
  + make Him **boss** over every aspect of life
  + **strive** to emulate His heart

---

## To Know and Be Known [(Lk13)](# "ref")
1. Seeking to Enter [(v22-24)](# "ref")
1. Known by the Master [(v25-27)](# "ref")
1. **Looking In from the Outside** [(v28-30)](# "ref")

>>>
+ **severity** of the consequences

---

In that place there will be 
weeping and **gnashing of teeth**,

when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob 
and all the **prophets** in the kingdom of God

but you yourselves **cast out**.

[Luke 13:28 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Silverthorne, CO. Nathan Anderson](https://unsplash.com/photos/mKA3VavSuaI "caption")

>>>
+ gnashing (grinding): **despair**
  + from **finality** of judgment
  + and **regret** over lost opportunity
+ throughout this passage Jesus uses **2nd plural**
  + not about **others**
+ not those who **reject** Christ
  + and **get** exactly what they asked for
+ but those who **seek** to enter kingdom of God
  + but never sought to be **known** by the Master

---

And people will come from **east and west**, 
and from north and south, 
and recline at **table** in the kingdom of God.

[30](# "ref")
And behold, some are **last** who will be **first**, 
and some are **first** who will be **last**.”

[Luke 13:29-30 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Iceland. Davide Cantelli](https://unsplash.com/photos/H3giJcTw__w "caption")

>>>
+ good or bad news? depends on our **position**
+ **Humble** ourselves before God, He will **exalt** us
+ To those who **don't** really want 
  + to be part of God's kingdom right now:
+ Whether **angry** at God, or 
  + just don't feel you **need** Him
+ **defiance** in eyes, **flush** of heat
+ **indignance**: I've yielded on so many other things
  + I just **can't** yield to God now
  + would be **humiliating**, losing **face**
+ e.g., JJ: **5min** to calm down, sometimes 5sec
  + then on own admits he was **wrong**
+ We **adults** often need **5mo** or years!

---

He himself **bore our sins** in his body on the tree, 
that we might **die to sin** 
and live to **righteousness**. 
By his wounds you have been healed.

[25](# "ref")
For you were **straying** like sheep, 
but have now **returned** to 
the **Shepherd** and **Overseer** of your souls.

[1 Peter 2:24-25 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Claudio Testa](https://unsplash.com/photos/FrlCwXwbwkk "caption")

>>>
+ If you haven't **seeking** to find kingdom of God
  + **encourage** you, it's not too late for you
+ Christ has **finished** the work which **saves** us
  + that we might **live** new lives in Him
+ It's time to **return**: Shepherd + Overseer
+ **Examine** your heart; you don't want to end up

---

# Will I end up on the **outside** of the **banquet** in God's kingdom?

>>>
+ **Many** well-intentioned, pious people
  + richly **blessed** by God
  + **listened** to His World daily
  + even **taught** others about Him
+ Will be caught on the **outside**
  + so this is **important**!

---

**Strive** to enter through the **narrow** door.

For many, I tell you, will **seek** to enter 
and will not be **able**.

[Luke 13:24 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ We've **assumed** will be entering Your kingdom
  + that going to **church** is good enough
  + that **trying** our best to be holy is good enough
  + that **hearing** Your Word is good enough
+ We've **replaced** You with 
  + the **trappings** of mainstream Chr culture
+ Bring our **hearts** back to You: 
  + Father, Rabbi, Master
+ Be still and **know** You are God

---