Jesus speaks ill of the dead while they're still living.

Published: Aug. 28, 2022, 10 a.m.

Not all wounds are bad. The precise incision of a skilled surgeon wounds the patient, but only in order to cure him or her. In the same way, we often say that words cut us to the heart. Sometimes, however, those words provide the healing wounds we need. This week, Jesus’ sharp words remind us that the door to heaven is narrow. It’s easy to develop a false sense of security about our standing before God based on some superficial, external familiarity we have with him. Jesus warns, however, that many who think they are on the path to heaven will end up shut out. We must make every effort to enter through the narrow door: faith in him.