Sermon

The Narrow Door

Theme

Jesus is the door to enter heaven.

Object

A knock, knock joke book

Scripture

"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.’" Luke 13:24-25 (NIV)

Everyone likes knock, knock jokes. I have a few for you today.

Knock, Knock. (Who's there?) Ben. (Ben who?) Ben knocking for ten minutes. Please let me in.

Knock, knock. (Who's there?) Doris. (Doris who?) Doris locked, that's why I'm knocking.

Knock, knock. (Who's there?) Adore. (Adore who?) Adore is between us, please open up!

Knock, knock. (Who's there?) Lettuce. (Lettuce who?) Lettuce in, it's cold out here!

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus tells about people who will be knocking at the door, but it will be too late. Where is the door Jesus is talking about? It is the door to heaven. Everyone wants to get into heaven, but there is only one door and Jesus says the door is very narrow. Jesus said, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.’ "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Get away from me.'"

Does that sound harsh to you? Where is that narrow door that we must find and how do we enter in? You may remember that Jesus once told a story about the good shepherd. In that parable, Jesus said, "I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he will be saved." (John 10:9 KJV) There is only one door to enter into heaven and that door is Jesus. Who can enter that door? Anyone! If we put our faith and trust in him, we won't be left standing outside knocking and crying, "Let me in."

Here is one more knock, knock joke for you:

Knock, knock. (Who's there?) Orange. (Orange who?) Orange you glad to know that Jesus is the door to heaven?

Heavenly Father, we are thankful that you loved us so much that you sent Jesus, your only Son, to be the door through which we can enter into heaven. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.