Discussion Questions

Week of: September 21, 2025 // Sermon Text: Luke 13:22-35

Sermon Overview

While there's time, be sure you've entered the door Jesus died to open.

1. An urgent command: enter the single, narrow, soon-shut door (vv 22-30)

2. A tender appeal: respond to his determined, loving, lamenting heart (vv 31-35)

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 13:22-35

1. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." How do you feel about the fact that there is only one way to have a relationship with God?

2. Luke 13:24 says "strive to enter through the narrow door" (of salvation) (v. 24). Yet, other passages show us that salvation is a free gift we are to receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). What might be some negative consequences of failing to hold together both of these truths?

3. Read Luke 13:26-27. We see that being near to Jesus is not the same thing as having a personal relationship with Jesus. What might that look like for us today? How might we guard against self-deception in this area?

4. If Jesus speaks the truth, then we need to believe all that he says, even the uncomfortable parts, like his teaching on hell (cf. v. 28). What might a proper response be for us to this teaching about the destiny of those who will remain outside when the door has been shut?

5. In verses 31-35, Jesus makes a tender appeal as he invites us to respond to his determined, loving, and lamenting heart. What do these verses reveal about the heart of Jesus toward us? What effect do you think God wants that to have on our hearts?

6. Who in your life most needs to hear Jesus' urgent exhortation and tender appeal from this passage?

7. What might "broken-hearted boldness" look like for you as you seek to be a faithful witness for Jesus in the world (and perhaps with the person(s) you named in #6 above)?

8. While there is still time, we need to be sure we've entered the door Jesus died to open. Have you entered through it? What evidence would you point to in your life that would support your answer?

Prayer