-THE PEREAN MINISTRY

-Jesus Teaches in Perea, The Strait Gate

-Luke 13:22-30

-“’Journeying...’ should not be understood as taking the most direct route to Jerusalem; for,

 actually this journey required several months, and involved a circuitous progression which

 would allow Jesus to visit as many places as possible on this final tour; and yet, all the while, his

 invariable purpose remained that of proceeding to Jerusalem where he would fulfill his purpose

 of dying to save all men.  He interrupted this journey no less than three times...” (Coffman, 1975,

 pg 298).

-On one occasion, Jesus was asked if few would be saved.  Evidently, this was a topic which was

 much debated amongst the Jews.

            -“Jesus answers that many shall be excluded from the kingdom, and that the questioner, and

             all others who hear, need to exercise themselves and give the matter their own personal

             attention lest they be among that many” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 489).

-There is coming a time when there will be no more opportunity to be reconciled to God.  The

 door will be shut.      

            -This is in reference to the time of the second coming of Christ and the judgment.  Until that

             time, the opportunity to be reconciled to God through the Gospel remains.  So, we must take

             advantage of the opportunities afforded us while we have those opportunities.  Once our life

             is over, or if Jesus returns first, the door will be closed.

            -Many will have the desire to knock on the door after it is closed.  However, it will not be

             opened unto them.  Instead, they will be instructed to depart.

-Those who are left outside will experience the dreaded weeping and gnashing of teeth, while

 others from throughout the world (Jew and Gentile) who responded to the Gospel and lived

 faithfully within it will inhabit God’s glorious kingdom.

-Many will be surprised at the day of judgment.  Those who lived their lives in self-righteousness

 will be shocked to see those who they despised and rejected exalted by God and they themselves

 humbled.

            -May we always strive to prepare for that day in accordance with God’s will - while the door

             is open!