Luke 13

Luke 13 presents a series of teachings and parables from Jesus that address repentance, judgment, the kingdom of God, and faith. Jesus emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and warns about the consequences of failing to turn back to God. The chapter includes the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, the story of the woman healed on the Sabbath, and a description of the narrow way to salvation. Through these, Jesus illustrates both the mercy and justice of God, urging His listeners to live in alignment with God’s will.

Luke 13:1-5 (NKJV)
1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus uses these tragic events to challenge the assumption that suffering is a direct result of sinfulness. He clarifies that these people were not necessarily worse sinners but uses the incidents to stress the universal need for repentance. Jesus highlights that without repentance, all face the same ultimate consequence, urging His listeners to seek God earnestly and not rely on their perceived righteousness.

Luke 13:6-9 (NKJV)
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.
7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’
8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.
9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”

In this parable, Jesus illustrates God’s patience and desire for people to bear spiritual fruit. The fig tree, representing the unrepentant, has had ample opportunity to produce, yet remains barren. God, like the keeper, is merciful, giving time and provision for growth. However, there is also a warning: continued fruitlessness will eventually lead to judgment, emphasizing the importance of repentance and a life that reflects God’s character.

Luke 13:10-17 (NKJV)
10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.
12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.”
13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.”
15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?
16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”
17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

Jesus demonstrates compassion and authority by healing a woman bound by infirmity for eighteen years, showcasing God’s care even on the Sabbath. However, the synagogue leader is indignant, valuing ritual observance over mercy. Jesus rebukes this hypocrisy, pointing out that acts of mercy are consistent with Sabbath principles. This healing not only glorifies God but also exposes the limitations of rigid legalism, urging a view of the law that prioritizes compassion and freedom.

Luke 13:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?
19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”

Jesus uses the mustard seed to illustrate the kingdom of God’s growth. Though it starts small, like a tiny seed, it expands into something vast and welcoming, providing shelter and refuge. This parable shows that God’s kingdom may have humble beginnings but will ultimately grow and flourish, reaching many and offering a place of peace and security for all who come to it.

Luke 13:20-21 (NKJV)
20 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God?
21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

The kingdom of God is likened to leaven that spreads through the entire batch of dough, symbolizing its transformative power. Just as leaven influences the whole mixture, the kingdom starts quietly but impacts everything it touches. This parable emphasizes how God’s influence permeates all aspects of life, transforming individuals and communities through His presence.

Luke 13:22-30 (NKJV)
22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them,
24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’
26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’
27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’
28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.
29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.
30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”

Jesus addresses the question about salvation with a challenging call to “strive to enter through the narrow gate,” warning that many will try but fail. This passage emphasizes the need for a committed, personal relationship with God, rather than mere association or familiarity. Jesus describes a time when the opportunity for salvation will end, underscoring the urgency of following Him. He reveals that many who assume they are “first” may be last, highlighting God’s impartiality and justice in welcoming people from all backgrounds.

Luke 13:31-35 (NKJV)
31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.”
32 And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’
33 Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.
34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!
35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

In this passage, Jesus expresses His lament over Jerusalem, a city known for rejecting God’s messengers. Despite Herod’s threat, Jesus remains undeterred, knowing His mission must be fulfilled in Jerusalem. His sorrow for Jerusalem reflects His deep love and desire to protect its people, though they have consistently resisted. Jesus’ words foreshadow Jerusalem’s desolation and His eventual return, underscoring both His compassion and the consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.