Luke 13

This chapter belongs to the travel narrative of the Gospel of Luke, in which Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem (9:51 onward). Following the teaching on watchfulness and the warning to discern the times in chapter 12, this chapter issues a call to repentance.

Outline

• Verses 1–5 In response to reports that Pilate had mingled the blood of certain Galileans with their sacrifices, and in reference to the eighteen people killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them, Jesus says, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
• Verses 6–9 The parable of the fig tree that has borne no fruit for three years. The dresser of the vineyard asks that it be left alone this year also.
• Verses 10–17 On the Sabbath, in a synagogue, Jesus heals a woman who had been bowed together for eighteen years. The ruler of the synagogue reacts with indignation, and Jesus answers his objection.
• Verses 18–21 Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a grain of mustard seed and to leaven.
• Verses 22–30 Asked, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" Jesus replies, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate."
• Verses 31–35 Warned that Herod intends to kill him, Jesus answers, "Go ye, and tell that fox," and laments over Jerusalem.

Key Verses

• Luke 13:3 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." The verse calls hearers to examine themselves rather than attribute disasters to the sins of others.
• Luke 13:24 "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." This is one of the best-known teachings on salvation.
• Luke 13:34 "As a hen doth gather her brood under her wings." This verse expresses Jesus' lament over Jerusalem.

People and Places

• Pontius Pilate: the Roman governor of Judea.
• The ruler of the synagogue: the official responsible for overseeing the assemblies of the synagogue.
• Herod: here, Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee.
• The Pharisees, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are mentioned.
• Galilee, Jerusalem, and Siloam appear. Siloam is thought to have been near the Pool of Siloam.

Points for Reflection

• The two incidents in verses 1–5 are generally said not to be directly attested in ancient sources outside this passage.
• Some interpreters take the parable of the fig tree as referring to Israel, while others apply it to individual faith. It is also read alongside the cursing of the fig tree in Mark and Matthew.
• The parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven are commonly read as depicting the growth of the kingdom of God. Some interpreters, however, regard the leaven and the birds as symbols of evil.
• Traditions differ in emphasis on how the phrase "whom Satan hath bound" in verse 16 bears on the relationship between illness and spiritual forces.
• Verse 35 quotes Psalm 118:26. These words are heard again at the triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19. Some interpreters also connect the verse with the Second Coming.
• Parallel passages include Matthew 7 (the strait gate), Matthew 13 (the mustard seed and the leaven), and Matthew 23 (the lament over Jerusalem).

In the Korean Church

"Let it alone this year also" (verse 8) is sometimes used as a sermon text at the close of one year or the beginning of a new one.