Luke 13:22-35 How Many People Will Be Saved?

August 31, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

Do you ever wonder how many people will be in heaven? Will only a select few of all who have lived on Earth be there, or will most of humanity enjoy eternity in paradise? That question has been debated by theologians for hundreds of years, and it introduces today's passage. 

Luke continues to remind us that we are in the second year of Jesus’ ministry and that he is making his way to Jerusalem. Luke writes, “He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem” (Luke 13:22). Jesus is ultimately headed to the cross. 

On this particular day, someone in the crowd asked Jesus, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (Luke 13:23). It is hard for us to imagine today, but in the first century, the Jews thought they were the only ones who would be in heaven. Certainly, this was contrary to the Old Testament, in which God promised Abraham that “all the families of the earth” would be blessed through the Messiah (Gen. 12:3). But first-century Jews and twenty-first-century believers like to accept certain passages while ignoring others. We are actually quite good at that, aren’t we?

In response to the question of how many would be saved, Jesus did not give a number or percentage. Instead, he explained, more importantly, how a person could enter eternity. Jesus said, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24). Striving to enter is not meant to suggest a works-based salvation. Rather, we should make salvation the priority of our lives. 

Today, our culture tries to emphasize inclusivity. People take pride in living by an “all are welcome" philosophy. Recently, when WNBA player Sophie Cunningham said that biological men should not participate in women’s sports, she added: “I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind.” 

Certainly, it is true that we are to love and interact with all people. Jesus did, and he is our example. Everyone should be welcome at our table. We are to share the truth with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). Yet… when it comes to having a relationship with the living God, Scripture makes it clear that the door is narrow. Jesus Christ is the only way by which any of us can enter heaven. 

The Jews believed they were destined for heaven because of their ethnicity. The religious leaders believed they deserved eternal life because of their “righteousness.” But Jesus painted a different picture, and it would have startled those who heard it that day. He said:

Luke 13:25–28

When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 

This will be the tragic end for many on the last day. Some will say, “But God, I went to church, sang the songs, served in ministry. I was a good person and gave money to charities. Look at all the things I did for you!” But they will hear, “Depart from me.” 

You can be surrounded by the things of Jesus and still never know him as your Savior. The truth he shares in these verses is deeply sobering and should awaken every heart. There will be weeping and sorrow, and “gnashing of teeth,” revealing anger and rage, as the Jewish people witness the patriarchs sitting alongside those “from east and west, and from north and south,” a living fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that “all the families of the earth” would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). Luke 13:29 affirms that this salvation was always meant to reach beyond Israel, gathering people from around the world into God’s eternal kingdom. 

When Jesus was speaking, some Pharisees came and told him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you” (Luke 13:31). We do not know their motive. Were they trying to protect Jesus, or did they simply want him to leave the area? Jesus answered them with this: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’” (Luke 13:32-33). The three days here are not a reference to the resurrection. It is simply a way of saying that no one will thwart his plans. 

In his response, Jesus goes on to express his love for Jerusalem.

Luke 13:34–35

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’

Israel was God’s chosen people, and he reminds them of that throughout Scripture. They are “a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isa. 49:6). But they turned away from God and even killed the prophets he sent to warn them. They refused to trust. 

Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem confirms both his compassion and the urgency of his call. I have a Jewish friend, and we’ve had many conversations about Jesus. He has told me, “If Jesus is the Messiah, then I will know that if he returns as you say he will.” But…as I have emphasized to him…on that day it will be too late. 

Today is the day of salvation! Today is the day you need to know for certain that you are a child of God through Jesus Christ! 

How many people will be saved? The answer is simple but compelling: every person who has trusted in Jesus. 

Read and reflect on Luke 13:22–35: Are you truly following Jesus, or are you just surrounded by the things of Jesus? Where might you be relying on church attendance, service, morality, knowledge, or religious activity instead of an authentic, living relationship with Christ?

Talking to God: Ask God to confirm your relationship with him.

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