Luke 13
BSB1 At that time some of those present told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 To this He replied, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? 3 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish." 6 Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the keeper of the vineyard, ‘Look, for the past three years I have come to search for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Therefore cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8 ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ’leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’" 10 One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman there had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was hunched over and could not stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your disability." 13 Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God. 14 But the synagogue leader was indignant that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. “There are six days for work,” he told the crowd. “So come and be healed on those days and not on the Sabbath." 15 “You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? 16 Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?" 17 When Jesus said this, all His adversaries were humiliated. And the whole crowd rejoiced at all the glorious things He was doing. 18 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a man tossed into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches." 20 Again He asked, “To what can I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened." 22 Then Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem. 23 “Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25 After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last." 31 At that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You." 32 But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’ 33 Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, for it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’ “
Study Notes — Luke 13
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 13
- Themes from Luke 13
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 13
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke chapter 13 begins with Jesus' response to a report about the slaughter of some Galileans by Pontius Pilate, using the occasion to teach about the need for repentance (Luke 13:1-5). He then heals a woman with a spirit of infirmity on the Sabbath, prompting a confrontation with the synagogue leader (Luke 13:10-17). Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God using parables of a mustard seed and yeast (Luke 13:18-21), and He laments over Jerusalem's refusal to come to Him (Luke 13:31-35). The chapter concludes with Jesus' teaching on the narrow door and the importance of striving to enter it (Luke 13:22-30). Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of repentance and the importance of trusting in Him for salvation.
Context for the Chapter
Luke chapter 13 is situated within Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately face crucifixion and resurrection. The chapter's emphasis on repentance and God's judgment reflects the escalating tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who are increasingly opposed to His message and ministry. In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus' teachings in Luke 13 connect with the Old Testament prophetic calls to repentance and the New Testament themes of salvation and redemption.
Heart Application
The message of Luke 13 calls believers to examine their own hearts and lives, ensuring they have genuinely repented of sin and are trusting in Jesus for salvation. It also encourages believers to share this urgent message with others, striving to enter the narrow door and to help others do the same. As Jesus teaches, the time for repentance is now, and the consequences of delay are eternal.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke chapter 13 teaches that repentance is necessary for salvation, and that Jesus is the only way to God. He uses parables like the mustard seed and yeast to describe God's kingdom, and He heals people to show His love and power. The chapter warns that God's judgment is coming, and that people must repent and trust in Jesus to be saved (Luke 13:3, Luke 13:22-30).
Voices from the Church
“The narrow door is not a door of works, but of faith; not a door of self-righteousness, but of repentance and trust in Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Repentance is not merely a feeling of sorrow, but a change of heart and life, a turning away from sin and towards God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Need for Repentance (Luke 13:1-5) — Jesus responds to a report about the slaughter of some Galileans, using the occasion to teach about the need for repentance.
- Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17) — Jesus heals a woman with a spirit of infirmity on the Sabbath, prompting a confrontation with the synagogue leader.
- Parables of the Kingdom (Luke 13:18-21) — Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God using parables of a mustard seed and yeast.
- The Narrow Door (Luke 13:22-30) — Jesus teaches about the importance of striving to enter the narrow door, emphasizing the exclusive and urgent nature of salvation.
- Lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35) — Jesus laments over Jerusalem's refusal to come to Him, expressing His desire for the city's salvation and His sorrow over its hardness of heart.
Core Doctrines
- Repentance
- Luke 13 emphasizes the necessity of repentance for salvation, highlighting the importance of turning away from sin and towards God.
- God's Judgment
- The chapter teaches that God's judgment is imminent and unavoidable without repentance, emphasizing the urgency of Jesus' message.
- The Kingdom of God
- Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and yeast describe the kingdom of God as a realm of God's rule and redemption, available to those who repent and trust in Him.
- Salvation
- Luke 13 presents Jesus as the only way to salvation, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in Him for eternal life.
Lessons from Luke 13
- The Urgency of Repentance — Luke 13 teaches that repentance is not optional, but essential for salvation, and that the time for repentance is now.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus for salvation, highlighting the exclusive nature of the narrow door.
- God's Love and Compassion — Jesus' interactions with the woman with a spirit of infirmity and His lament over Jerusalem demonstrate God's love and compassion for those who are suffering.
- The Consequences of Delay — The chapter warns that delaying repentance and ignoring God's call to salvation have eternal consequences, emphasizing the urgency of Jesus' message.
- The Call to Evangelism — Luke 13 encourages believers to share the urgent message of repentance and salvation with others, striving to help them enter the narrow door.
Themes from Luke 13
- Repentance and Salvation — The chapter emphasizes the necessity of repentance for salvation, highlighting the importance of turning away from sin and towards God.
- God's Judgment and Mercy — Luke 13 teaches that God's judgment is imminent and unavoidable without repentance, but also emphasizes God's mercy and love for those who repent.
- The Kingdom of God — Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and yeast describe the kingdom of God as a realm of God's rule and redemption, available to those who repent and trust in Him.
- Faith and Trust in Jesus — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus for salvation, highlighting the exclusive nature of the narrow door.
- Evangelism and Discipleship — Luke 13 encourages believers to share the urgent message of repentance and salvation with others, striving to help them enter the narrow door and become disciples of Jesus.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus mean by 'repentance' in Luke 13:3, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does Jesus' teaching on the narrow door relate to my understanding of salvation and my relationship with God?
- What can I learn from Jesus' interactions with the synagogue leader and the woman with a spirit of infirmity about God's love and compassion?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's judgment affect my perspective on the importance of sharing the gospel with others?
- In what ways can I strive to enter the narrow door and help others to do the same, as Jesus teaches in Luke 13:22-30?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Need for Repentance (Luke 13:1-5)
| Luke 13:1 | Jesus responds to a report about the slaughter of some Galileans, using the occasion to teach about the need for repentance. |
| Luke 13:2 | Jesus asks if the Galileans were worse sinners than others, emphasizing that all people need to repent to avoid God's judgment. |
| Luke 13:3 | Jesus teaches that unless people repent, they will all perish, highlighting the urgency of His message. |
| Luke 13:4 | Jesus references the tower of Siloam, which fell and killed eighteen people, asking if they were worse sinners than others. |
| Luke 13:5 | Jesus reiterates the need for repentance, emphasizing that all people must turn away from sin and towards God to avoid God's judgment. |
2. Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17)
| Luke 13:10 | Jesus is teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath when He sees a woman with a spirit of infirmity. |
| Luke 13:11 | The woman has been crippled for eighteen years and is unable to straighten up. |
| Luke 13:12 | Jesus calls the woman to come to Him and lays His hands on her, healing her instantly. |
| Luke 13:13 | The woman glorifies God, and the crowd is amazed at Jesus' power. |
| Luke 13:14 | The synagogue leader is indignant that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, considering it a violation of the law. |
| Luke 13:15 | Jesus responds to the leader, saying that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath and to save a life. |
| Luke 13:16 | Jesus emphasizes that the woman is a daughter of Abraham, and it is right to set her free from her bondage on the Sabbath. |
| Luke 13:17 | The crowd is pleased with Jesus' response, and the synagogue leader is put to shame. |
3. Parables of the Kingdom (Luke 13:18-21)
| Luke 13:18 | Jesus asks the crowd what the kingdom of God is like, and then tells a parable about a mustard seed. |
| Luke 13:19 | A man plants a mustard seed in his garden, and it grows into a large tree, providing shelter for the birds. |
| Luke 13:20 | Jesus then tells a parable about yeast, saying that a woman mixes yeast into a large batch of flour, and it causes the dough to rise. |
| Luke 13:21 | Jesus emphasizes that the kingdom of God is like the yeast, spreading and growing in power and influence. |
4. The Narrow Door (Luke 13:22-30)
| Luke 13:22 | Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, teaching and preaching in the cities and villages along the way. |
| Luke 13:23 | Someone asks Jesus if only a few people will be saved, prompting Jesus to teach about the narrow door. |
| Luke 13:24 | Jesus says that many will try to enter the narrow door, but will not be able to, emphasizing the importance of striving to enter. |
| Luke 13:25 | Jesus warns that once the master of the house has risen and closed the door, no one will be able to enter, even if they knock and ask to be let in. |
| Luke 13:26 | Jesus says that people will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets,' but He will reply, 'I do not know you.' |
| Luke 13:27 | Jesus will say to those who are outside, 'Depart from me, all you evildoers,' emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith. |
| Luke 13:28 | Jesus says that there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when people see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, but they themselves are thrown out. |
| Luke 13:29 | Jesus teaches that people will come from all over the world to eat with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. |
| Luke 13:30 | Jesus emphasizes that the last will be first, and the first will be last, highlighting the importance of humility and repentance. |
5. Lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35)
| Luke 13:31 | Some Pharisees warn Jesus to leave the area, saying that Herod wants to kill Him. |
| Luke 13:32 | Jesus replies that He will continue to cast out demons and perform healings, and that on the third day He will be perfected. |
| Luke 13:33 | Jesus says that it is necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, where He will be killed, emphasizing the importance of His mission. |
| Luke 13:34 | Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying that He has longed to gather the city's children together, but they were not willing. |
| Luke 13:35 | Jesus says that the city's house will be left to them desolate, and that they will not see Him again until they say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'repentance' in Luke 13:3?
Repentance in Luke 13:3 refers to the act of turning away from sin and towards God, recognizing one's need for salvation and forgiveness. It involves a change of heart and life, and is essential for avoiding God's judgment (Luke 13:3, Luke 13:5).
Why does Jesus heal on the Sabbath in Luke 13:10-17?
Jesus heals on the Sabbath to demonstrate God's love and compassion for those who are suffering, and to challenge the traditional understanding of the Sabbath as a day of rest. He emphasizes that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath and to save a life (Luke 13:15-16).
What is the meaning of the parable of the mustard seed in Luke 13:18-19?
The parable of the mustard seed in Luke 13:18-19 teaches that the kingdom of God is like a small seed that grows into a large tree, providing shelter and nourishment for many. It emphasizes the power and influence of the kingdom, and the importance of faith and trust in God.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 13:1 → Matthew 24:1-2 | The theme of God's judgment and the need for repentance is also found in Matthew 24:1-2, where Jesus teaches about the destruction of the temple and the end times. |
| 2 | Luke 13:3 → Acts 2:38 | The call to repentance in Luke 13:3 is echoed in Acts 2:38, where Peter preaches about the need for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Luke 13:10 → Mark 3:1-6 | The healing of the woman with a spirit of infirmity on the Sabbath in Luke 13:10-17 is similar to the healing of the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in Mark 3:1-6. |
| 4 | Luke 13:18 → Matthew 13:31-32 | The parable of the mustard seed in Luke 13:18-19 is also found in Matthew 13:31-32, where Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed. |
| 5 | Luke 13:22 → Matthew 7:13-14 | The teaching on the narrow door in Luke 13:22-30 is similar to the teaching on the narrow gate in Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of entering through the narrow gate to find eternal life. |
| 6 | Luke 13:24 → 1 Peter 4:18 | The exhortation to strive to enter the narrow door in Luke 13:24 is also found in 1 Peter 4:18, where Peter teaches about the importance of being diligent to enter the kingdom of God. |
| 7 | Luke 13:31 → Matthew 23:37 | The lament over Jerusalem in Luke 13:31-35 is similar to the lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37, where Jesus expresses His desire to gather the city's children together, but they were not willing. |
| 8 | Luke 13:34 → Psalm 118:26 | The phrase 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' in Luke 13:35 is a reference to Psalm 118:26, where the psalmist praises God for sending a deliverer to save His people. |
Sermons on Luke 13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n |
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Repentance - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the importance of repentance in the message of salvation. He highlights the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepared the heart |
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1974 Jerusalem Conference - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher shares testimonies of miraculous healings that have taken place during the service. One woman who had been suffering from an orthopedic problem for thr |
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So Great Salvation by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not allowing it to slip away. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife lo |
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(Hebrews - Part 7): Inspiration and Revelation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the question posed by King David in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He acknowledges that when we look at the vastness o |
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A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains |
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When Jesus Shuts the Door by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Jesus shutting the door. He emphasizes that Jesus has the power to shut the door at any time, and when that happens, those out |
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Accidents, Not Punishments by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a tragic incident where a couple is crushed and killed in an accident. The preacher emphasizes that this event should not be seen as a puni |
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Who by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of freedom and how it is not truly attainable in society. He uses the analogy of two buns on a park bench to illustrate that even |
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Christ’s Call to Repentance by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the frequency of natural disasters and how quickly we forget about them. He emphasizes that these events are not just random occurrences, but |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 13
Matthew Henry's commentary on Luke 13 emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Henry notes that Jesus' teachings on the narrow door and the kingdom of God are meant to awaken people to their spiritual need and to encourage them to strive to enter the kingdom. He also highlights the compassion and love of Jesus, as seen in His healing of the woman with a spirit of infirmity and His lament over Jerusalem. Henry emphasizes that the chapter's themes of repentance, faith, and salvation are rooted in the character of God, who is both just and merciful. As Henry writes, 'The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Teaching Style
Jesus often uses parables and real-life situations to teach spiritual truths, making His message accessible and relatable to His audience. In Luke 13, He uses the parables of the mustard seed and yeast to describe the kingdom of God.
The Importance of Repentance
Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of repentance, warning His listeners of the consequences of ignoring God's call to turn from sin. This emphasis is evident in His response to the report about the Galileans and in His teaching on the narrow door.
Jesus' Compassion and Love
Despite the urgency of His message, Jesus demonstrates compassion and love for those who are suffering, as seen in His healing of the woman with a spirit of infirmity on the Sabbath.