Luk 13 | MHM | STEP | The Murdered Galileans This section tells about a tragic event where some Galileans were killed by Pilate while they were offering sacrifices. People brought this news to Jesus, and he used it to teach an important lesson. Jesus warns us not to judge others quickly when bad things happen to them. Instead, he calls everyone to repent, because we all need forgiveness. He also reminds us that disasters can happen suddenly, so we should always be ready to make peace with God. v. 1 : Some people told Jesus about Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. This means Pilate had them killed while they were worshipping. We do not know the exact details, but it was a shocking and sad event. The Galileans may have been suspected of rebellion, or Pilate may have had a personal reason to target them. Even the holy place and their act of worship did not protect them from this cruel act (Luke 13:1 ; see also Acts 5:37; Luke 23:12 ).

‏ Luke 13

The Murdered Galileans

This section tells about a tragic event where some Galileans were killed by Pilate while they were offering sacrifices. People brought this news to Jesus, and he used it to teach an important lesson. Jesus warns us not to judge others quickly when bad things happen to them. Instead, he calls everyone to repent, because we all need forgiveness. He also reminds us that disasters can happen suddenly, so we should always be ready to make peace with God.

v. 1: Some people told Jesus about Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. This means Pilate had them killed while they were worshipping. We do not know the exact details, but it was a shocking and sad event. The Galileans may have been suspected of rebellion, or Pilate may have had a personal reason to target them. Even the holy place and their act of worship did not protect them from this cruel act (Luke 13:1 ^a; see also Acts 5:37; Luke 23:12 ^b).

v. 2: Jesus understood that people might think these Galileans were worse sinners than others because of what happened to them. He asked, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?”Jesus wanted to correct this wrong idea. Bad things do not always happen to people because they are worse than others (Luke 13:2 ^c).

v. 3: Jesus answered his own question: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”He teaches that everyone needs to repent. We should not focus on judging others, but look at our own lives and turn away from our sins (Luke 13:3 ^d).

v. 4: Jesus gave another example. He talked about eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them. He asked, “Do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?”Again, Jesus shows that accidents and disasters do not mean the victims were worse than others (Luke 13:4 ^e; see also John 5:3; Ecclesiastes 9:12 ^f).

v. 5: Jesus repeats his warning: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”He makes it clear that everyone must repent to avoid perishing. Repentance is the way to escape judgment. If we do not repent, we will face destruction, just as others have before us. This is true for everyone, not just those who suffer in disasters (Luke 13:5 ^g; see also Matthew 7:1; Ecclesiastes 9:1–2 ^h; Psalm 72:14 ⁱ).

The Barren Fig-Tree

This parable is a warning that matches Jesus’ earlier words: “Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish”(Luke 13:3 ^j). Jesus explains that just like a fruitless tree is in danger of being cut down, people who do not change their ways will face judgment. God gives everyone chances to turn back to him, but those chances will not last forever.

v. 6: Jesus tells a story about a fig tree planted in a vineyard. The tree had every advantage: good soil, careful attention, and protection. Yet, it produced no fruit. This fig tree represents the people of Israel, who were given special blessings and opportunities by God. God expected them to respond by doing good and living for him, but many did not (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:19 ^k).

v. 7: The owner of the vineyard comes looking for fruit on the fig tree but finds none, even after three years. He is disappointed, since he had every reason to expect results. God watches those who belong to his church and expects their lives to show the results of his grace. He does not want only words or outward signs—he wants real change and good actions (Matthew 3:10 ^l).

v. 8: The owner says to the gardener, “Cut it down. Why should it use up the soil?”The tree is not only fruitless but also taking space that a good tree could use. In the same way, people who do not do good may harm others by their bad example. God is patient, but if there is no change, judgment will come (Isaiah 5:5–6; John 15:6 ^m; Isaiah 6:9–10 ⁿ).

v. 8–9: The gardener, who represents Jesus, asks for one more year to care for the tree. He promises to dig around it and add fertilizer, hoping it will finally produce fruit. This shows Christ’s mercy and intercession. Jesus gives people extra time and tries different ways to help them repent. He prays for us and encourages ministers to pray and work with people, using both warnings and encouragement. However, this extra time is limited; it is a chance, not a guarantee (Hebrews 6:7; John 15:2 ^o).

v. 9: The gardener says, “If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”If people finally repent and change, it brings joy to God, to ministers, and even to heaven. But if they continue to ignore God’s patience, judgment will finally come. The punishment will be worse because they were given so many chances. In the end, even those who prayed for them will agree with God’s decision (Revelation 15:3–4 ^p).

The Infirm Woman Healed

This passage tells the story of Jesus healing a woman who had been disabled for eighteen years. Jesus performed this miracle in a synagogue on the Sabbath. The event teaches us about Jesus’ compassion, the importance of worship, and how God values mercy over strict rules. It also shows how some people can miss the true meaning of God’s law because of their own pride or misunderstanding.

v. 10: Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath. He often spent the Sabbath in public worship and teaching others. This shows us that gathering with others to worship God is important, not just staying home to read or pray alone (Luke 13:10 ^q).

v. 11: In the synagogue, there was a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. Even though it was hard for her to move, she still came to worship. This teaches us that we should not let sickness or weakness keep us from coming to God (Luke 13:11 ^r).

v. 12: Jesus saw her and called her forward. She did not ask for healing, but Jesus noticed her and invited her to come. He said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.”This shows that Jesus cares for us even before we ask. When we seek God first, he often blesses us in other ways too (Luke 13:12 ^s).

v. 13: Jesus put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. This miracle happened at once, showing Jesus’ power over sickness and even over evil spirits. When God helps us, we should respond by giving him thanks and praise (Psalm 146:8 ^t).

v. 14: The ruler of the synagogue was angry because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. He told the people that there were six days to work and that they should come for healing on those days, not on the Sabbath. He did not speak directly to Jesus but tried to make the people think Jesus was wrong. This shows how some people care more about their own rules than about helping others. But God’s law is about mercy and kindness (1 Timothy 5:4 ^u).

v. 15: Jesus answered him, “You hypocrite!”He explained that even on the Sabbath, people untie their animals and lead them to water. If it is right to care for animals on the Sabbath, it is even more right to help a suffering person. Jesus showed that the Sabbath is a day for doing good, not just for following strict rules (Jonah 3:7 ^v).

v. 16: Jesus said that the woman was a daughter of Abraham and had been bound by Satan for eighteen years. He asked if it was not right to set her free on the Sabbath. This teaches us that God wants to free people from suffering, and that mercy is always important. Jesus also showed that the devil can cause suffering, but God is stronger (Luke 13:16 ^w).

v. 17: When Jesus said this, all his enemies were ashamed, but the people were happy and rejoiced at all the wonderful things he was doing. The miracle and Jesus’ wise answer showed everyone that God’s ways are good and bring joy. When Jesus is honored, his followers are encouraged and glad (Luke 13:17 ^x).

The Widow of Nain

In this section, Jesus uses two short parables to describe how the kingdom of God grows and spreads. People did not really understand what God’s kingdom would be like. Many expected it to be powerful and sudden, but Jesus explained it would start small and grow quietly, changing lives from the inside out. He used simple examples so everyone could understand.

v. 18: Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?”He wanted to help people see that God’s kingdom is very different from what they imagined (Luke 13:18 ^y).

v. 19: Jesus said, “It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”The kingdom of God may look small at first, like a tiny seed, but it grows into something large and strong. Many people will come and find safety in it. This is like how the gospel started small but reached the whole world (Luke 13:19; Daniel 4:21 ^z).

v. 20: Again, Jesus asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?”He wanted to give another example to help people understand (Luke 13:20 ^aa).

v. 21: He said, “It is like yeast that a woman mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”The kingdom of God works quietly, like yeast in bread. It changes everything from the inside, even if you cannot see it right away. God’s message spreads slowly but surely, changing people’s hearts and lives everywhere (Luke 13:21; 2 Corinthians 2:14 ^ab).

v. 22: Jesus continued traveling through towns and villages, teaching as he went toward Jerusalem. Even though it was winter and travel was hard, he did not stop his work. Jesus always used every opportunity to teach people about God. We should also try to do good wherever we are (Luke 13:22 ^ac).

Curiosity Checked; The Doom of Sinful Professors

In this passage, someone asks Jesus whether only a few people will be saved. Jesus does not answer the question directly. Instead, he teaches that it is more important to focus on our own salvation than to be curious about how many will be saved. He warns that entering God’s kingdom is not easy and that many who feel confident, but do not truly follow God, will be shut out. Jesus also explains that people from all nations will enter God’s kingdom, while some who seem nearest may miss out because they did not truly obey.

v. 23: Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”The question could have been meant to test Jesus, to show off knowledge, or out of real concern. Often, people wonder about others’ salvation instead of asking, “What must I do to be saved?” (Luke 13:23 ^ad).

v. 24: Jesus replied, “Strive to enter through the narrow door.”He did not answer with numbers but gave advice for everyone. Entering God’s kingdom takes effort and determination. We must not be lazy or careless. It is not enough just to want to be saved; we must work hard, pray, and fight against sin. Jesus encourages all to be serious about their own relationship with God (Luke 13:24 ^ae).

v. 25: Jesus warns that one day the master will get up and shut the door. Then, many will stand outside and knock, saying, “Lord, open the door for us!”But he will answer, “I don’t know you or where you come from.”Once the opportunity is gone, it is too late. Now is the time to seek God, because the chance will not last forever (Luke 13:25 ^af; see also Revelation 11:2 ^ag).

v. 26: People will try to argue, saying, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.”They will point to their connection to Jesus and their religious experiences, hoping these will save them. But knowing about Jesus is not the same as truly following him (Luke 13:26 ^ah).

v. 27: Jesus will say again, “I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!”He will reject them because, even though they looked religious, they did not really obey God. They kept sinning in secret while pretending to follow him (Luke 13:27 ^ai).

v. 28: Jesus describes their sadness and regret, saying, “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”It will be very painful to see others welcomed into God’s kingdom while being left out, especially after feeling so sure of entrance (Luke 13:28; Psalm 112:10 ^aj).

v. 29: Jesus says, “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.”This means that people from all over the world—even those who seemed least likely—will be saved and enjoy God’s blessings (Luke 13:29 ^ak).

v. 30: Jesus ends by saying, “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”Some who seem to be unlikely for heaven will enter, and some who seemed most likely will miss out. This teaches us not to trust in our position or background, but to truly follow God and strive to enter his kingdom (Luke 13:30; Romans 11:14 ^al).

Christ's Message to Herod

In this passage, Jesus receives a warning that Herod wants to kill him. The Pharisees bring this message, but Jesus is not afraid. He calls Herod a "fox" and makes it clear that no threat will stop him from completing his mission. Jesus also mourns for Jerusalem, knowing that many people there have rejected God’s messengers. He predicts that the city will face judgment because of this rejection.

v. 31: Some Pharisees came to Jesus and warned him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”They may have pretended to care about him, or they may have wanted to get Jesus to leave Galilee. It is possible that Herod really did want Jesus gone because his message was powerful and popular, or perhaps the Pharisees just wanted to protect their own interests (Luke 13:31 ^am).

v. 32: Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.”Jesus was not afraid of Herod. He called Herod a “fox” to show that he saw through his cunning and threats. Jesus knew his mission would not be stopped by anyone. He would continue his work until everything was finished, and no one could harm him before his time (Luke 13:32 ^an).

v. 33: Jesus added, “In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!”He knew that his death would not happen in Galilee, but in Jerusalem, the city where prophets were often killed. Jesus was determined to finish his work, no matter the danger (Luke 13:33 ^ao).

v. 34: Jesus mourned for Jerusalem, saying, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing!”Jesus showed deep sadness for the people who refused to listen, even though he wanted to protect and care for them (Luke 13:34 ^ap).

v. 35: Jesus warned, “Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”Because the people rejected him, their temple and city would be left empty and without God’s blessing. One day, they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah, but for many, it would be too late (Luke 13:35; Matthew 23:37–39 ^aq; Exodus 10:28–29 ^ar).