The Narrow Door

By Mary Vee
John 10

Peter

The Jordan River.
Men and women being baptized.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Peter. 

The other disciples and I left Jerusalem with Jesus after the Pharisees threatened to stone Him yesterday. We crossed the Jordan and stopped at the place where John had baptized many in the early days. 

Rather than visit villages, we stayed in this place for quite some time. Word of mouth spread the news of Jesus' location. Many men and women came to talk to him.

During those days, some people said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, we have seen that all John said about this man was true."

During those days near the Jordan, many believed in Jesus. The restful days from our hectic schedule felt good. 

Some days later, we continued on visiting towns and villages. The route took us back in the direction of Jerusalem. Jesus taught all who wanted to listen at every opportunity. 

One man said, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"

Jesus answered, "The door is narrow. This is the only way, though. Only those who enter at this place will be saved. There are many who will try to go through this door and yet not enter. Once the owner of the house gets up to close the door, those who have not entered will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'

"But he will say, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

"Then you will respond, 'We ate and drank with you. You taught in our streets. We saw you there.'

"He will say, 'Go away. I don't know you or where you come from. Leave at once you evildoers.'

"At this time there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God go in...and you are forced to leave. Men and women will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 

"There will be those who are considered last who will be made first, and those thought to be first who will be made last."

A group of Pharisees arrived as he finished speaking. They said, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."

Come back to read the next story.

*Note from Mary Vee: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.