Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 13:23-24

"And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able." — Luke 13:23-24 (ASV)

And he said to them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

You can get into the broad road without striving; but you must strive to enter in at the strait gate. Strive for that which requires self-denial, that which humbles you, that which goes against the grain, that which is not according to human nature.

Do not imagine that grace is to be obtained while you are half asleep, and that heaven is to be gained on a feather bed.

Strive, strive, for many will seek in vain to enter. Seeking is not enough; it must come to a holy violence: Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When will that be?

That will be when you are in another state.

And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate:

Instead of gratifying idle curiosity, he urges diligence in seeking entrance into the narrow way.