Luke 13

13:1-4 Jesus was responding to a popular claim that bad things only happen to bad people. Sin has negative consequences, but not every bad thing is a result of sin. Jesus then clarified that all people are sinners who need to repent (13:3, 5; see Job 4:7; 8:4, 20; 22:5; see also Pss 34:21; 75:10; Prov 3:33; 10:3, 6-7, 16, 24-25; John 9:2-3).13:1 Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee: This particular incident is not known from other sources, but Pilate was a ruthless governor who, on several occasions, violently suppressed revolts (see Josephus, War 2.9.2-4; Antiquities 18.3.1-2).

13:4 when the tower in Siloam fell: This incident is also unknown apart from this reference. The pool of Siloam was a reservoir in the southeastern corner of Jerusalem, so the tower might have been part of the southern wall of Jerusalem.

13:6-9 The parable of the barren fig tree illustrated Jesus’ ministry to Israel. Unless the nation produced the fruit of repentance, it would face judgment. The parable is open-ended—Israel was being offered the chance to respond. Cp. Matt 21:18-19 // Mark 11:12-14.13:6 a fig tree: Israel was sometimes portrayed as an unfruitful fig tree or a vineyard that God would judge (Isa 5:1-7; Mic 7:1-2; see Jer 8:13; 24:1-10; Hos 9:10).

13:9 cut it down: A stump or fallen tree was an image of judgment or destruction (cp. 3:9; see also Isa 6:13; 10:34; 11:1; Jer 46:22; Dan 4:23; Matt 3:10; 7:19).

13:10 as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue (see 4:14-30): In the synagogue, visiting rabbis were often asked to teach after the Law and the Prophets were read.

13:11 crippled by an evil spirit: See study note on 11:14.

13:14 not on the Sabbath: Rabbis debated whether to give medical help on the Sabbath and decided it was acceptable only in cases of extreme emergency.

13:15-16 You hypocrites! The religious leaders would take care of their own animals on the Sabbath (to protect their investment) but then refuse to meet the needs of a fellow human being. In an ironic wordplay, the same word is translated untie (13:15) and released (13:16). The religious leaders would free their animals but not a daughter of Abraham—one of God’s chosen people and a recipient of his favor. • in bondage by Satan: Jesus’ exorcisms and healings manifested the Kingdom of God and the defeat of Satan (see 11:20).

13:17 Jesus’ skillful argument shamed and silenced his enemies. Honor was among the most important values in Jewish society.

13:18-21 The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast reveal the nature of the Kingdom of God. Like a mustard seed, it grows from a tiny size until it becomes large; like yeast leavening dough, it permeates the entire world.

13:19 the birds make nests: The birds represent people who find the Kingdom to be a place of protection and security.

13:21 It is like the yeast: Leaven can represent evil (see 12:1; 1 Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9), but here it is a positive image of the permeating, transforming power of the Kingdom.

13:23 will only a few be saved? Some believed that only a small number would be saved. Others thought that all Jews would be saved because they were descendants of Abraham (see study note on 3:8).

13:25 When the master of the house has locked the door: At a banquet, the master of the household locked the door after the invited guests had arrived. • I don’t know you: In Scripture, knowing often means being chosen by God for a special relationship (Isa 63:16; Jer 1:5; Amos 3:2). The people of Israel were God’s chosen people who had descended from Abraham (where you come from), but those who failed to respond to the invitation did not have a relationship with God. The same can be said of all who fail to respond to the Good News of the Kingdom.

13:28 The expression weeping and gnashing of teeth portrays rejection and suffering. • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the three great founding patriarchs of the nation of Israel.

13:29 While many of God’s chosen people, the Israelites, have rejected the gospel, other people . . . from all over the world will respond to God’s offer of salvation and attend the messianic banquet (see 14:15; 17:20; Isa 2:2; 25:6-8; 51:4; 52:10; 55:5; 56:7; 59:19; Mic 4:1-2; Zech 2:13; Mal 1:11).

13:32 Go tell that fox: Among first-century Jews, foxes were viewed as destructive and worthless pests. • casting out demons and healing people: Jesus’ exorcisms and healings were evidence that God’s Kingdom was present; his resurrection on the third day would vindicate him and prove that he inaugurated God’s Kingdom.

13:33 a prophet of God to be killed: See “The Suffering Prophet” Theme Note.

13:34 as a hen protects her chicks: Cp. Deut 32:11; Ruth 2:12; Pss 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4.

13:35 your house is abandoned: Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem that took place in AD 70. • Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! This refers to Ps 118:26. Psalm 118 was one of the psalms sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. Here Jesus referred to his second coming.