He passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from.' And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where (you) are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." (Lk 13:22-30)
Jesus was making his way to Jerusalem. He was sure of his destination. His eyes were set on it. There was not going back on this. Since he was sure of his destination he did not take the by-pass roads to reach the place. He passed through towns and villages. Though he was sure of his destination yet he did not reach if at a shot but he moved through the villages and towns to meet people and probably to gather the people and with them to go there or at least make the people aware or reflect about the journey to wards one’s destination. For, he told them to strive through the narrow gate.
Reaching the destination also should be within the given time. If one reached late then there was no possibility of entering into it. No amount of pleading or begging would give the possibility of entrance. Earlier associations and relationship would not give the possibility of entrance. One should be ready to enter before the master closed the door.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets were already in the kingdom (People of the past). People from east and west would also find place in the kingdom. (People of the future). Only the present people have problems in entering into the kingdom. Why? Because thy have not responded to the call. They have not responded to the invitation given by the master.
