This question asked of our Lord may seem to be an honest enough inquiry, but there were many Jews at that time who expected to be the “few” by default. The conversation we have recorded in John 8:31-59 illustrates how the pride of the Jews kept them from really listening and submitting to what Jesus taught. These were people proud of having “the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises...the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh...the Christ.” (Romans 9:4-5) Sadly, this is where many of them stopped, as they believed the messiah was to be a physical ruler of an earthly kingdom. Clinging to this concept, they stopped listening when people like Paul would finish, “Who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.”
Jesus’ answer tells us some things we need in order to be saved and consequently why there will only be a few that are. Those in this life who are too proud of their heritage, their circumstances, and their accomplishments will be too full to fit through a “narrow door.” God has prepared a spiritual feast to fill those who realize their true emptiness without Him, and who have further emptied themselves of attachments to this physical world to gain Him—the narrow door does not allow me to take anything beside myself inside. Growing up with Christian parents, having been taught the Bible from birth, and having attended worship every Sunday does not save us. Talking to other people about God and rejecting sin in this world does not save us. Having the kind of mindset that convinces us that we are good people already which God really needs in His church certainly does not save us. And being attached to what we have gained in this life and/or the image of a God we would prefer serving will keep us from submitting to Him the way He has commanded, to truly be saved. We need to be humble in order to submit to God through Christ in baptism, the only way Holy Scripture has authorized that we access the saving blood of Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:3-10)
Baptism into Christ is the beginning, though, rather than the end, and it is from this beginning that Jesus says we must “strive to enter.” How many of us enjoy straining ourselves? How many of us enjoy wearing ourselves out and look forward to collapsing across a finish line? Jesus in another place says, “The way is hard that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:14) It is a life where we face persecution. (Matthew 5:10-11) We will be hated, mocked, slandered, and more. We will get those funny looks that tell us someone is trying really hard not to inform us of how crazy or senseless we sound to them. Having received the light from the Lord that we reflect into this dark world will sever our relationships with those who love the darkness. (John 3:19-20) Sometimes these relationships will be close ones with family or friends. Following Christ means not retaliating, even if I was harmed and innocent. (1 Peter 2:20-23) This means putting up with unreasonable bosses, coworkers, teachers, and more. This means showing mercy and seeking the best interests of the people who wrong me, despite the punishment they may deserve and the power I might have to issue it. (Matthew 5:43-48) The life of a Christian is not “easy” in any sense of the word, but it is blessed beyond our limited understanding. Those that are concerned with preserving the ease and comfort of their life here will lose life indeed. (Matthew 16:25)
“Will those who are saved be few?” Yes, but will you be one of them?