There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last. (Luke 13:28-30)

Jesus is asked if only a few will be saved. He responds with the parable of the narrow door.

Jesus does not confirm or deny that only a few will be saved, but he does say that many will be unable to enter through the narrow door.

Those who are left outside the door are of unknown origin (pothen) and unjust (adikia). Many of those outside the door are evidently of first rank (protos) and, as a result, had every reason to expect entry.

Jesus also tells of many others who are last in line or rank - eschatos - who come from every corner of the earth and are given entry.

I have a tendency to seek universal principles in the words of Jesus. There are, however, moments when his words are clearly chosen for very specific ears.

The Greek translated as "someone" is tis. A better translation would be "a certain one."

I can imagine a devout and faithful man: pious in worship, careful to abide by each of the 613 mitzvah, generous to the poor, proud of his lineage and confident in his righteousness. Quite certain of the answer he asks, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"

Jesus understands the man's expectation and knows that it is precisely this that stands between the man and a full relationship with God.

Lead us - me - not into temptation.