Luk 13:18-30 | JFB | STEP | 18-21. mustard seed . . . leaven —(See on ). The parable of "the Leaven" sets forth, perhaps, rather the inward growth of the kingdom, while "the Mustard Seed" seems to point chiefly to the outward. It being a woman's work to knead, it seems a refinement to say that "the woman" here represents the Church, as the instrument of depositing the leaven. Nor does it yield much satisfaction to understand the "three measures of meal" of that threefold division of our nature into "spirit, soul, and body," (alluded to in ) or of the threefold partition of the world among the three sons of Noah ( ), as some do. It yields more real satisfaction to see in this brief parable just the all-penetrating and assimilating quality of the Gospel, by virtue of which it will yet mould all institutions and tribes of men, and exhibit over the whole earth one "Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." (See on ).

Luke 13:18-30

18-21. mustard seed . . . leaven—(See on Mr 4:30-32). The parable of "the Leaven" sets forth, perhaps, rather the inward growth of the kingdom, while "the Mustard Seed" seems to point chiefly to the outward. It being a woman's work to knead, it seems a refinement to say that "the woman" here represents the Church, as the instrument of depositing the leaven. Nor does it yield much satisfaction to understand the "three measures of meal" of that threefold division of our nature into "spirit, soul, and body," (alluded to in 1Th 5:23) or of the threefold partition of the world among the three sons of Noah (Ge 10:32), as some do. It yields more real satisfaction to see in this brief parable just the all-penetrating and assimilating quality of the Gospel, by virtue of which it will yet mould all institutions and tribes of men, and exhibit over the whole earth one "Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." (See on Re 11:15).

23. Lord, &c.—one of those curious questions by talking of which some flatter themselves they are religious.

said unto them—the multitude; taking no notice of the man or his question, save as furnishing the occasion of a solemn warning not to trifle with so momentous a matter as "salvation."

24. Strive—The word signifies to "contend" as for the mastery, to "struggle," expressive of the difficulty of being saved, as if one would have to force his way in.

strait gate—another figure of the same. (See on Mt 7:13, 14).

for many . . . will seek—"desire," that is, with a mere wish or slothful endeavor.

and shall not be able—because it must be made a life-and-death struggle.

25. master of the house is risen up and hath shut to the door—awfully sublime and vivid picture! At present he is represented as in a sitting posture, as if calmly looking on to see who will "strive," while entrance is practicable, and who will merely "seek" to enter in. But this is to have an end, by the great Master of the house Himself rising and shutting the door, after which there will be no admittance.

Lord, Lord—emphatic reduplication, expressive of the earnestness now felt, but too late. (See on Mt 7:21, 22).

26, 27. See on the similar passage (Mt 7:22, 23).

eaten and drunk, &c.—We have sat with Thee at the same table. (See on Mt 7:22).

taught in our streets—Do we not remember listening in our own streets to Thy teaching? Surely we are not to be denied admittance?

27. But he shall say, &c.—(See on Mt 7:23). No nearness of external communion with Christ will avail at the great day, in place of that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Observe the style which Christ intimates that He will then assume, that of absolute Disposer of men's eternal destinies, and contrast it with His "despised and rejected" condition at that time.

28, 29. (See Mt 8:11, 12). Also see on Mt 13:42.

Lu 13:31-35. MESSAGE TO HEROD.