Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 13:22-23

"And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them," — Luke 13:22-23 (ASV)

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?

That is a question that I have heard a great many times. What is the fascination that makes men so fond of asking it? I do think that some ask it as if they almost hoped that there would be few. If they do not go to our Ebenezer or Rehoboth, what can become of them?

Surely you cannot expect that any good should come to those who do not frequent Salem and Enod. What must they hope?

In that spirit the question is often asked; but, brothers and sisters, may God lift us up above that spirit, and make us desire that multitudes should be saved. I suppose that one of the surprises of heaven will be to see vastly many more there than we ever dreamed would reach that place. Jesus Christ gave a very practical answer. It was no answer, and yet was the best of answers.

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?

Oh, that question! Have you never asked it yourself? Have you never heard it asked? And there are some people who are very pleased when the answer is, "Yes, very few indeed will be saved; and they all go to Salem, or Zoar, or Rehoboth, or little Bethel."

There are some who are not quite certain whether all who go even there will be saved; they seem to delight to cut and pare down to the very lowest the number of those who will be saved. With such a spirit as that, I trust we do not sympathize for a moment. Certainly, our Lord does not; listen to his reply to the question, Lord, are there few that be saved?