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[0:00] The 10th of December, Concessions Jesus said, Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

[0:12] Luke 13, 24 One of the many perks of being older is that you are often given concessions when entering exhibitions or musical events or whatever.

[0:23] We even travel free on public transport. We get used to concessions, to free TV and a winter heating allowance. It's a sign of a caring society that wants to look after its elderly citizens.

[0:36] Concessions Jesus found there were some people who wanted concessions to get them into heaven. Some would tell him how good they were at keeping the commandments or praying long prayers or giving money to the poor.

[0:47] They felt that these things would help them when it came to getting into God's heaven. But Jesus made no concessions on that score at all. When someone asked him if only a few people would be saved, Jesus in effect said, Yes.

[1:04] Why? Because so many people thought their good works were enough to get on God's good side, as it were. Whereas Jesus said the door into God's presence is narrow.

[1:17] You can only get through it by humbly following Jesus and recognizing that it is only through his saving work that we are saved. Of course, good works are good, but they need to be the effects of our appreciation for what Jesus has done for us.

[1:31] Remember, there are no concessions to get round God and into heaven. Jesus is the only way. The narrow door. And a prayer.

[1:44]  Teach me, O Lord, to follow you and thank you. Amen.