Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

Open Door (The Parable of the Narrow Door)

On a recent trip to the mountains, my family and I decided to visit a well-known local hiking spot. When we arrived, many people were already piling out of their cars and onto the path. We were hoping for something a little more peaceful and quieter, and we noticed a small opening that led a different way. It was barely a path, but it looked inviting.

My husband, a trusted outdoorsman, showed us the way, and we happily followed, knowing he would not lead us astray. He led us deeper and deeper into the woods, traversing over rocks and downed timber, across the river, through tall grasses and willow trees, where it seemed we might startle a resting moose at any moment.

Yet there was no danger, only beauty that grew more and more enchanting as we continued on. On multiple occasions, I told my kids, “I know this is hard, but it is worth it because no one else can see or experience the things you are by taking the easy path.”

At one point, we stepped out into a meadow with a lake and a sweeping view of the mountain range that stood before us, just as an osprey flew overhead. Our jaws hit the ground in awe and wonder at God’s splendor on display before us. It is hard to believe such a perfect place exists here on this earth.

Jesus offers us something far greater in Himself. He brought the glory of Heaven to earth when He came, inviting us all to partake in its abundant richness through His Kingdom and to experience friendship together with Him and His Father.

He welcomes all without partiality. However, to gain access to all He wants to give us, we are required to walk through a very specific door, which is Jesus. This is why Jesus told the Parable of the Narrow Door.

Interestingly, Jesus uses the imagery of a narrow door. Some may view this negatively, as if Jesus is constrictive, standing as some kind of roadblock or barrier to God, similar to a wall. But in reality, He is opening the door to His abundance, and here He is painting an endearing picture for His ancient listeners—and us today.

Jesus is describing Himself as the One who welcomes us home to where we were always meant to be: in His presence. We belong inside the door, not standing outside of it.

Jesus is not just giving a set of instructions, like a map to follow. Jesus is describing Himself as the destination itself and also the One Who leads the way. In John 14:6 (ESV) He says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

There are no multiple access points or various paths that lead to God and Heaven. That would be unfair and unloving of God to keep us guessing or unsure about which way to follow. Instead, He says, “There is one way, and I am it!” He draws us to Himself in lovingkindness, and those of us who have chosen to pass through the door have done so deliberately and consciously in response to that love. We are not here out of obligation or coercion. This is one thing that sets Christianity apart from other religions.

Just as my family and I had to forge a path through the wilderness, Jesus made a way for salvation where there was not previously a way. When we trust Him and follow His lead, we will find true life, whereas all other paths lead to death.

Humanity is born into sin, which affects every area of our lives, causing hostility between us and God. The Bible tells us the consequences for our sin are death and eternal separation from Him, and there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.

Yet through the finished work of Jesus Christ, reconciliation to God became possible. Jesus, being both God and man, lived a sinless life and willingly took our sins upon Himself, dying the death we deserve. He conquered death itself and gave us His righteousness so we could stand before God the Father free of guilt.

However, the time is now to walk through the door. Jesus warns not to delay in doing so, for a moment is coming when the door will shut and cannot be reopened.

Jesus has positioned Himself as the way to experience the promises God has for us since the beginning of time. We are not guaranteed an easy or unchallenged way; we will traverse through pain and difficulty. We may encounter loneliness and persecution. The way is far less traveled than most other paths. It will twist and turn and often feel narrow.

But keep going. It will all be worth it when you stand face to face with your Father, full of beauty and majesty. Nothing will compare to being in His presence and experiencing His abundant provision, compassion, care, and love for you.

Prayer

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:9-10, ESV)

Thank You, Jesus, that You are the door, the way to abundant life now, and life everlasting. Amen.