Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 13:23

"And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them," — Luke 13:23 (ASV)

Then said one. Who this was does not appear. It is probable that he was not one of the disciples, but one of the Jews, who came either to perplex him, or to involve him in a controversy with the Pharisees.

Are there few that be saved? It was the prevalent opinion among the Jews that few would enter heaven. As only two of all the hosts that came out of Egypt entered the land of Canaan, so some of them maintained that a proportionally small number would enter into heaven (Lightfoot).

On this subject, the man wanted the opinion of Jesus. It was a question of idle curiosity. The answer to it would have done little good. It was far more important for the man to secure his own salvation than to indulge in such idle inquiries and vain speculations. Our Lord therefore advised him, as he does all, to strive to enter into heaven.