During the time of Jesus, the people believed that salvation belonged only for the chosen ones. Jesus made it clear in Luke 13:22-30, that salvation and entrance into the Kingdom is universal and that it belongs to all people from all over the world.
Jesus preaches to strive to enter the Kingdom through the narrow door - which is the way of the cross. To enter into eternal life, it is not enough that we recognize Jesus, but it is more important that Jesus recognizes us. And Jesus recognizes by our love for one another.
