There was a little change of mood yesterday. Just briefly, things weren't so grim. It didn't last, because today Jesus is back to his stark, uncompromising message. There are two ways to go, and most of you are choosing the wrong way.
Verse 22 tells us that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. That's a warning in itself. The capital city is obviously the powerbase of the religious establishment, and the establishment has made up its mind about Jesus - they are against him.
To say that Jesus is disappointed that he failed to win the religious leaders over is to understate the case. As I read the controversies in these last two or three chapters, he comes across as furious. He feels betrayed and let down by those who should have acknowledged him, welcomed and supported him. It's the simple villagers who turn out to cheer him on, while the Pharisees and teachers of the law skulk in their big houses and conspire against him.
So when they ask, in response to his stern teaching about judgement, "Lord, are only a few going to be saved?" he replies with a surprising metaphor. God's kingdom has a small and disregarded front door. You'd expect a grand entrance, a welcome mat and signs of encouragement. Instead, Jesus implies, the way in is neglected, dusty and little used.
But for all that, it's important to hurry along and try the rusty handle. If you delay, shortly the door will be locked from the inside, and no amount of frantic pleading will make it open again. Looking around in desperation, you will find yourself in the company of the great and the good - all also locked out. Peering through the windows you will see all sorts of surprising characters sitting down, taking their ease, enjoying God's hospitality.
No amount of protesting: "Don't you know who I am?" will have any effect. Nothing but a stark response comes back: "Sorry, I never knew you."
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