Jesus was traveling through the cities and villages on his way to
Jerusalem, teaching as he went. One day a man asked him if many would be
saved. He said all must strive to enter in at the straight gate, for many
would try some other way and would not get in. He said, “It was like a
feast spread for guests; and when once the master of the house had closed
the door, no more could get in. Those who stood outside saying, ‘Lord,
Lord, open the door for us,’ would only be answered with ‘I don’t know
you.’ They might answer, ‘We have eaten and drank with you, and you have
taught in our streets,’ for some of these people who would not follow
Jesus had sat at table with him and heard his teachings. But he said
the answer to any such would be, ‘I don’t know you; go away, you are
wicked people.’—Then,” said Jesus, “there shall be weeping and gnashing
of teeth;” Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob would be inside, but those who
would not come to him by the right way would be thrust out. People from
every quarter shall come together and sit down in God’s kingdom. The
Gentiles, who were the last to hear the good news, shall be among the
first in heaven, and some of the Jews (God’s dear people who would not
love Him) will not get in.
[Illustration: JESUS EATETH WITH PUBLICANS AND SINNERS.—Mark ii. 16.]