Luke 13

Luke’s Good News

Luke

Hilda Bright

Chapter 13

People need to turn to God 13:1-9

Two incidents and a *parable all teach that people need to turn to God. They must do this so that they avoid punishment.

1 The murder of the people from Galilee 13:1-3

v1 At that time, people told Jesus about the some Galileans. While they were making *offerings to God, Pilate’s soldiers had killed them. v2 Jesus said to the people, ‘What do you think about these Galileans? Were they worse *sinners than everyone else from Galilee? Is that why they suffered like that? v3 No, that is not true. But unless you turn away from your *sins, you too will die suddenly’.

Verse 1 Pilate was the *Roman who governed Judea. He was always afraid that *Jewish crowds would disturb the peace. ‘Galileans’ are people who came from the area near Lake Galilee.

Verse 2 The *Jews often thought that people suffered because they had *sinned (John 9:2). Jesus had just spoken about *judgement. The people may also have thought of what Jesus had said. Therefore, they were wondering if these Galileans were especially wicked. Some people from Galilee were offering their *sacrifice in the *Temple. Pilate did not want anyone to cause trouble against the *Romans. He ordered his soldiers to stop such people. The soldiers killed the Galileans. Their own blood mixed with the blood of their animal *offerings.

2 The accident at Siloam 13:4-5

v4 ‘Think about those 18 people who died at Siloam. A building fell down and killed them. Do you think that they were worse *sinners than all the other people who lived in Jerusalem? v5 No they were not! But unless you turn from your *sins, you too will die too’.

Verses 4-5 The building may have been part of Pilate’s plan to improve the water supply to Jerusalem. This was necessary, but the *Jews were very angry. Pilate took some money from the *Temple to pay for it. These men may have been working on the water system. Some people hated Pilate’s plan. They thought that people should not work on it. The workers should not have accepted money which came from the *Temple as their wages. They died when the building fell down. Therefore, people thought that God had punished them. Jesus denied that they were more guilty than anyone else in Jerusalem. But their deaths were a warning. People needed to turn to God.

3 The *parable of the *fig tree 13:6-9

v6 Then Jesus told them this *parable. ‘A man had a *fig tree growing in his *vineyard. He looked for fruit on it, but found none. v7 So he spoke to the man who looked after his *vineyard. “Look, I have looked for fruit on this tree for three years. But I have not found any. Cut it down! Why should it waste the space?” v8 But the man answered, “Leave it alone, sir, for just one more year. I will dig round it. I will dig something in the soil to help the tree to grow. v9 Then if the tree produces fruit next year, that will be good. If it does not, you can have it cut down” ’.

Verse 6 A *vineyard was picture language for the nation of *Israel. Isaiah spoke of the care that God had given to his *vineyard. But its fruit was no good. The people were wicked. Therefore God would destroy the *vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7).

Verse 7 In Jesus’ *parable, the *fig tree was in good soil in the *vineyard. But it had failed to produce fruit after three years. Jesus had been expecting the *Jews to accept his message for the past three years. The *fig tree disappointed its owner in the story. In the same way, the *Jews had disappointed Jesus.

Verses 8-9 The extra year in the story suggests that God gives people every chance to *repent. But there comes a time when there are no more opportunities. If the *Jews did not change their behaviour, God would destroy their nation. He was like the *vineyard owner, who would cut down the *fig tree.

The *Jews would not obey God. Jesus knew that this would lead to trouble with the *Romans. The *Romans destroyed the *Jewish nation in AD 70.

The woman with the bent back 13:10-17

v10 One *Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a *synagogue. v11 A woman there had an evil spirit. It had made her ill for 18 years. She was bent over and could not stand up straight. v12 When Jesus saw her, he called her to him. He said, ‘Woman, you are free from your trouble!’ v13 He placed his hands on her, and at once she stood up straight. She praised God. v14 The official at the *synagogue was angry that Jesus had *healed on the *Sabbath. He spoke to the people in the *synagogue. ‘There are 6 days in which we can work. So come to find *healing on one of those days, and not on the *Sabbath!’ v15 The *Lord answered him, ‘You *hypocrites! Each of you frees one of his animals from its stall on the *Sabbath to give it water. v16 This woman is a *descendant of Abraham. *Satan has tied her up for 18 years. Certainly she must go free on the *Sabbath’. v17 His enemies were confused and they said nothing. All the people continued to be very pleased at all the wonderful things that Jesus was doing.

Verse 12 ‘Woman’ was a polite way of speaking. Jesus used the word when he spoke to his mother (John 2:4).

Verse 14 Many people opposed Jesus because he did not keep their *Sabbath traditions. This incident is another example of this. The official may also have been angry that Jesus had taken no notice of his authority. He did not have the courage to speak directly to Jesus himself. Instead, he protested to the people in the *synagogue.

Verses 15-16 Some people agreed with the attitude of the official. Jesus called them ‘*hypocrites’. They would free their animals on the *Sabbath. But they were not willing for him to free a person. God rescued the *Israelites so that they were not slaves any more (Deuteronomy 5:13-15). Jesus linked this to the law about the *Sabbath.

*Satan had kept the woman in a ‘prison’. Jesus gave the woman her freedom. By that action Jesus was destroying the work of *Satan.

The *parable of the *mustard seed 13:18-19

v18 Jesus asked, ‘What is the *kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it with? v19 It is like this. A man takes a *mustard seed and plants it in his field. The plant grows and becomes a tree. The birds make their nests in its branches.’

Verse 19 The *mustard seed is very tiny. Matthew emphasises this (Matthew 13:31-32). The plant can grow as large as a small tree. The *kingdom of God had a very small beginning, with just a few *disciples. But it grew. Now *disciples are all over the world.

At that time, a tree was picture language for a powerful nation. The birds in its branches were the nations to which it gave protection (Ezekiel 17:22-24). People of all nations will find their *spiritual security in God’s *kingdom.

The *parable of the *yeast 13:20-21

v20 Again Jesus asked, ‘What shall I compare the *kingdom of God with? v21 It is like this. A woman has some *yeast. She mixes it with a large quantity of *dough to make bread. She does this until the whole amount increases in size’.

Verse 21 Jesus must have watched his mother as she made bread. A small amount of *yeast causes a large amount of *dough to rise. Nobody can see its slow work as it changes the *dough. In the same way, God works slowly to change a person’s character. The *yeast is a picture of the difference that the *kingdom makes to society. The *yeast affects the *dough. In a similar way the Christian *faith affects society and improves it. The people of Thessalonica said that Christians had ‘turned the world over the other way’ (Acts 17:6). *Yeast changes *dough. *Faith in Jesus the king changes people and society.

The narrow door 13:22-30

v22 As he walked towards Jerusalem, Jesus went through towns and villages. There he taught the people. v23 Someone asked him, ‘*Lord, will only a few people escape God’s punishment on judgement day?’ Jesus answered, v24 ‘Try very hard to go in through the narrow door. I tell you this. Many people will try to go in. But they will not succeed. v25 The master of the house will get up and shut the door. Then you will stand outside and begin to knock on the door. You will say, “Open the door for us, sir!” But he will answer, “I do not know where you come from!” v26 Then you will answer, “We ate and drank with you. You taught in our town!” v27 But he will say again, “I do not know where you come from. Go away from me, all you wicked people!” v28 How you will cry out in despair and anger! This will be when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the *prophets, inside the *kingdom of God. But the master will not allow you to go in. v29 People will come from every part of the world. They will sit down in their seats in the *kingdom of God. v30 Then the people who are now least important will be first. The people who are first will be last’.

Verse 23 The *Jewish teachers often discussed who would escape God’s punishment. Many considered that most of the *Jews would escape. God would punish *Gentiles.

Verse 24 Jesus did not answer their question. He did not say how many God would *save. Instead, he concentrated on why so few people would enter the *kingdom. He told them to struggle with determination to enter the ‘door’ of *salvation. Jesus was not suggesting that people can earn *salvation by their own efforts. He was emphasising that *salvation is an urgent matter. People cannot postpone a decision to follow Jesus. Their opportunity to enter God’s *kingdom does not last for ever.

Verse 25 Some people wait until it is too late. Then the owner of the house will deny that he knows them.

Verses 26-27 The people outside will try to get in, because they have had a few contacts with Jesus. Many people who are members of a Christian country may consider themselves Christian. But they have no real desire to be *disciples of Jesus. Jesus used words from Psalms 6:8. They are wicked. He does not recognise them. If they were genuine *disciples, they would have changed their behaviour.

Verse 28 They will weep and be angry. They will see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who began the *Jewish nation. They will see the *prophets too. They will all be in God’s *kingdom. But the people who are outside will not be there themselves.

Verse 29 *Jews taught that there would be a great dinner at the end of time. They imagined that they would be there and have great joy. Jesus said that people would come from every part of the world to the *Messiah’s great dinner (Isaiah 25:6). *Gentiles would be guests as well as *Jews. This would make Isaiah’s words come true. God’s *salvation would ‘reach to the ends of the earth’ (Isaiah 49:6).

Verse 30 Heaven has very different standards from those on earth. God will welcome *Gentiles who trust in him. But he will shut out *Jews who have not accepted him as the *Messiah. Also, people who are the least important on earth will receive more honour than other people in heaven.

The warning about Herod 13:31-33

v31 At that time some *Pharisees came to Jesus and said, ‘You must leave Galilee and go somewhere else. Because Herod wants to kill you’. v32 Jesus answered them, ‘Go and give this message to that fox. “I am forcing out *demons and *healing people today and tomorrow. On the third day I shall finish my work”. v33 However, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day. Jerusalem is the place where they kill a *prophet’.

Verse 31 These *Pharisees may have acted as sincere friends. But they probably tried to move Jesus out of Galilee for their own reasons. They had more power to change public opinion in Judea. Therefore, they were willing to warn Jesus about Herod, a person whom they hated. Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee and Perea. Perhaps he was still anxious because he had agreed to John the *Baptist’s death. He did not want to be responsible for another murder. Jesus was popular. So, Herod may have been worried about political activity that would disturb the peace. Therefore, he thought that he should warn Jesus. This would make him leave that region.

Verse 32 The *Jews believed that they could not trust a fox. It was an animal that was always destroying things. Foxes were of little worth. Jesus compared Herod to this animal. Jesus continued his work. He forced out *demons and *healed people. But soon he would finish this work.

Verse 33 He ‘must’ go to Jerusalem but not because of Herod’s wish. God planned that Jesus would go there. It would be when God wanted. It would not be when Herod wanted. Jerusalem was a ‘holy’ city because the *Temple was there. But they had often killed *prophets there. Jesus was a *prophet too.

Jesus is upset about Jerusalem 13:34-35

v34 ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the *prophets. Men brought God’s messages to you. But you threw stones at them and killed them. I often wanted to bring you to me. Then you would be as safe as baby chickens under the mother chicken’s wings. But you would not let me! v35 And so God will leave your city. I tell you this. You will not see me again until you say, “‘God *bless him who comes as God’s servant” ’.

Verse 34 ‘I often’ shows that Jesus went to Jerusalem more times than Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record. Jesus said that the people of Jerusalem had refused to obey God’s servants. They even killed them.

Verse 35 *Jews refused to obey God. So, God stopped protecting their city. As in the time of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:4), the *Jews believed that their city would always be safe. The *Temple was there. So, they thought that an enemy would never defeat Jerusalem. But Jesus’ words came true. In AD 70, the *Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem.

Jesus used words from Psalms 118:26. People greeted one another with these words when they came to Jerusalem. People greeted Jesus with these words on the Sunday before the first Easter (Luke 19:38). Here Jesus also refers to when he will return to earth. On that day people will have to recognise him as *Messiah.

This publication is written in EasyEnglish Level B (2800 words)

parable ~ a story with a moral meaning.
offering ~ a gift to please God.'sin/sinner ~ when people do things against God or other people.'sin/sinner ~ when people do things against God or other people.
Roman ~ person or thing that belongs to Rome.
Rome ~ capital of a great empire in *New Testament times.
empire ~ group of nations under one ruler (emperor).
emperor ~ king who rules over many countries.
Jewish ~ a word that describes a Jew or anything to do with a Jew.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
sacrifice ~ a gift to God to ask him to forgive sins; or to thank him for something.
Temple ~ special building in Jerusalem where Jews worshipped God.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
worship ~ show honour and respect to God and praise him.
fig ~ kind of sweet fruit that grows on a tree.
vineyard ~ a place in which to grow grapes.
grape ~ fruit of vine.
vine ~ plant that produces grapes.'Israel, Israelites ~ all the people from the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.'repent, repentance ~ to change one’s attitude and behaviour.
Sabbath ~ day of rest when people should not work (Saturday for Jews).
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
synagogue ~ a building where Jews gather to pray and to study the *Old Testament.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
heal ~ cure; make completely well.
Lord ~ name for God in the Bible; name that we use for Jesus when we obey him.
hypocrites ~ persons who pretend to be better than they are.
descendants ~ future members of a family or nation.
Satan ~ chief evil spirit; the Devil.'Israel, Israelites ~ all the people from the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.'mustard seed ~ a very tiny seed.
kingdom ~ land that a king rules.
disciple ~ one who follows another and learns from him; a person who believes in Jesus; a person who follows the things that he teaches.
spiritual ~ belonging to the spirit.
spirit ~ the part of a person which is alive, which we cannot see. It can speak to other spirits and the soul.
soul ~ the part of a person that we cannot see, that is in us during our life on earth. It continues to live after the body dies.
yeast ~ substance that you put in bread to make it rise.
dough ~ bread mixture.
faith ~ trust.
yeast ~ substance that you put in bread to make it rise.
faith ~ trust.
prophet ~ one who tells God’s messages.
Gentiles ~ people who are not Jews.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.'save/salvation ~ rescue from the power and result of sin.

sin/sinner ~ when people do things against God or other people.
salvation ~ when God saves a person from the results of, and punishment for, sin. When a person is sorry for their wrong ways; God forgives them and they follow Jesus.

save/salvation ~ rescue from the power and result of sin.

sin/sinner ~ when people do things against God or other people.

'Christ/Messiah ~ the Jews’ word for the king whom God would send to rescue them.

Messiah/Christ ~ the Jews’ word for the king whom God would send to rescue them.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
Pharisees ~ group of Jews who were very strict about the law of Moses.
Jew ~ a person who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.
demons ~ bad or evil spirits. They work for Satan, the chief demon.
Satan ~ chief evil spirit; the Devil.
Baptist ~ a person who baptises people (John the Baptist).

baptise/baptism ~ to put a person into water to show that he wants to obey God.

'bless, blessing ~ to say or to do much good to a person; to call something holy; to ask God for good things to happen; to guard and to keep from evil things.

Luke: The Man Christ Jesus

Jesus on his way from Galilee to Jerusalem

Luke 9:51-19

Ian Mackervoy

Chapter 13

*Repentance – Luke 13:1-9

v1 At that time, some people there told Jesus about some men from Galilee. Those men from Galilee were giving animals as *sacrifices to God. Pilate killed the men and he mixed their blood with the blood of the animals. v2 Jesus replied, ‘What do you think? Did these men from Galilee suffer these things because they *sinned more than anyone else from Galilee? v3 I tell you that the answer is no. But unless you *repent, you too will all die. v4 The *tower at Siloam fell on 18 people and it killed them. Were they worse *sinners than all the other people who live in Jerusalem? v5 I tell you that the answer is no. But if you do not *repent, then you too will all die.’

v6 Then Jesus told this story. ‘A man planted a *fig tree in his *vineyard. When he came to look for fruit on it, he did not find any. v7 So, he said to the gardener, “For three years, I have come to look for fruit on this *fig tree. But I have not found any fruit. Cut it down. It should not take up space in this good soil.” v8 The gardener replied, “Master, leave it for one more year. I will dig round it and I will feed it. v9 If the tree produces fruit next year, that will be all right. But if not, then cut it down.” ’

Verses 1-5 We have no further details about this incident. These men had come from Galilee to Jerusalem to *worship God. As they made their *sacrifices, the *Roman soldiers killed them. Pilate was the *Roman ruler of Judea. He was in command of these soldiers; perhaps he ordered the soldiers to kill the men. The occasion could have been at the *Passover. That is the only time that the people killed their own animals.

We do not know why the people told Jesus about this incident. Many people believed that such events were a punishment because of *sin.

Jesus was himself from Galilee. He did not say anything about the action of the *Romans. But he used the incident to speak about *repentance.

Those men from Galilee did not suffer that fate because they were worse *sinners than other people. But their sudden death should warn everyone that we all need to *repent. We do not know the time of our own death. It could be as sudden as theirs was.

Jesus then spoke about an accident in which 18 people died. The *tower at Siloam fell down and it fell on them. They were not more guilty than other people in Jerusalem. But they suffered a sudden death. Our death could be as sudden and we need to be ready. If we do not *repent, we too will die. That death refers to the future judgement rather than the death of the body.

The *tower at Siloam formed part of the wall of ancient Jerusalem. It was above the pool of Siloam where the south and east walls join.

Verses 6-9 Then Jesus told a story about a *fig tree. A man had planted it because he wanted fruit from it. For three years, it failed to have any fruit. The man told the gardener to cut it down. The gardener wanted to give the tree another chance. But after another year, if it did not have fruit, the man could cut it down.

The man planted the *fig tree in a vineyard. A vineyard is a farm where people grow the fruit to make wine.

God is kind to us. He gives us many opportunities to *repent and to turn to him. But the time of our death will come. And after that, there will be the judgement.

Jesus cures a woman on the *Sabbath – Luke 13:10-17

v10 Jesus taught in one of the *synagogues on the *Sabbath day. v11 A woman was there who suffered from an evil spirit. The spirit had made her ill for 18 years. It had bent her back so that she could not stand up straight. v12 When Jesus saw her, he called her to come to him. He said to her, ‘Woman, you are free from your illness.’ v13 Then Jesus placed his hands on her. Immediately she stood up straight. And she praised God.

v14 The *synagogue leader was angry because Jesus cured on the *Sabbath day. He said to the people, ‘There are 6 days in which to work. Come on one of those days for someone to cure you and not on the *Sabbath day.’

v15 The *Lord answered him. He said, ‘You are *hypocrites. On the *Sabbath day, each of you unties his *ox or his *donkey. You take it from the place where it eats. Then you lead it out to give water to it. v16 This woman is a *descendant of Abraham. *Satan has bound her like this for 18 years. It is right that I should free her from his control on the *Sabbath day.’

v17 When Jesus said this, he made his enemies ashamed. But everyone else in the crowd was happy about all the wonderful things that he did.

Verses 10-13 Jesus taught in a *synagogue on the *Sabbath day. In the *synagogue, there was a woman who had been ill for 18 years. The cause of her illness was an evil spirit. As a result, she could not stand up straight. She did not ask Jesus to cure her. He saw her and he called her to the front of the *synagogue. She obeyed him and she came forward. Then he put his hands on her and he cured her. Immediately she stood up straight for the first time in 18 years.

Jesus did not put his hands on people who had evil spirits. Here it seems that he freed her from the spirit first. Then he put his hands on her to cure her from the illness.

The woman did not praise Jesus. She praised God.

Verses 14-17 The right use of the *Sabbath was a cause of disagreement between Jesus and the *Pharisees. Here the leader of the *synagogue was angry that Jesus had cured the woman on the *Sabbath. Also, it may have annoyed him that Jesus acted without his agreement. He was in charge of the *synagogue meeting and of all that happened there. He did not speak to Jesus directly. Instead he spoke to the people. He said in effect that it was wrong to cure people on the *Sabbath day. To cure a person was work and the law forbade work on the *Sabbath day (Exodus 20:9-10).

Jesus answered him. The purpose of the *Sabbath was for the benefit of the people. So, to cure on that day was in the purpose of the *Sabbath. The *Jews did look after their animals on the *Sabbath. They freed their animals on the *Sabbath. They would lead the animals with a chain but they would not carry anything. They would draw water from a well for them. But they would not hold the bucket for the animals to drink. If it is right to take care of animals, it must be right to cure this woman. By this illness, *Satan had bound her for 18 years. It must be right to free this *Jewish woman even on the *Sabbath. That was why Jesus called the leader of this *synagogue a *hypocrite. The man’s own actions showed that his words about the *Sabbath were wrong. If it is right to free an animal, clearly it is right to free a person - especially a *descendant of Abraham. If it is right to give water to an animal, then it is right to cure a person. God gave the *Sabbath to help people, not so that they would suffer.

What Jesus said made his enemies ashamed. The people were happy because of the good things that Jesus did.

This was perhaps the last time that Jesus taught in a *synagogue.

The *kingdom of God – Luke 13:18-30

v18 Then Jesus said, ‘Let us describe the *kingdom of God. Let me tell you what it is like. v19 It is like a *mustard seed that a man planted in his garden. The seed grew and it became like a tree. And the wild birds built nests in its branches.’

v20 Again he said, ‘The *kingdom of God is like this. v21 It is like *yeast that a woman took. She mixed it in three bowls of *dough. The *yeast caused all the *dough to rise.’

v22 Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. As he went, he taught the people in the towns and villages. v23 Someone asked him, ‘*Lord, will God save only a few people?’ v24 He said to them, ‘Try hard to enter through the narrow door. I tell you that many people will try to enter. But they will not be able to enter. v25 The owner of the house will get up and he will close the door. If then you stand at the door, it is too late. You will knock at the door. You will call out, “*Lord, open the door for us.” But he will answer, “No. I do not know you or where you come from.”

v26 Then you will begin to say, “We ate with you. We drank with you and you taught in our streets.”

v27 But he will reply, “I do not know you. I do not know where you come from. Go away from me, all of you who do evil deeds.”

v28 There you will weep and you will bite your teeth together because of the pain. You will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the *prophets in God's *kingdom. But the *Lord will throw you out. v29 People will come from the east, west, north, and south. They will sit down at the *feast in the *kingdom of God. v30 In fact, some people who are last now will be first then. And some people, who are first, will be last then.’

Verses 18-21 A mustard seed is a very small seed. In Matthew and Mark, there is a contrast between the tiny seed and the large bush (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32). The mustard plant could grow up to 10 or 12 feet high. It grows big enough for birds to have their nests in its branches. The *kingdom of God will be so large that people from all nations will come into it.

Women used to make bread for their family. They would put a small amount of *yeast in with the dough. Dough is the mixture of flour and water from which a person makes bread. The *yeast affects the whole lump of dough. This causes the bread to rise. The small quantity of *yeast affects a large quantity of dough. The *kingdom of God is like that. Its citizens, God’s people, are in the world and they have a powerful effect across the whole world.

In these stories, there is power in the seed and in the *yeast. So, the *kingdom of God comes with power. From a small start, it becomes a great and powerful *kingdom.

Verses 22-25 Jesus taught in all the towns and villages that he went through. He was on his way to Jerusalem. In reaction to what he taught, someone asked him this question. Many of the *Jews believed that God would save all the *Jews except a few bad *sinners. And they did not believe that God would save the people from other nations.

Jesus does not answer the question. He urges the people to make sure that they enter the *kingdom. Entry into the *kingdom is not certain even for the *Jews. By our own efforts, we cannot get into the *kingdom. But there must be that desire to do so now while there is still time. The way in is not easy. It is like a narrow door.

The door will not always be open. At some future time, God will say that it is too late. Many people will try then but they will fail to enter. They will fail because they are too late. They will knock on the door but the *Lord will tell them to go away. He will not know them.

Jesus came to announce the year of the *Lord’s kindness (Luke 4:19). The year refers to the period in which God offers *salvation to us. The opportunity to receive *salvation is open to all people now.

The door means Jesus (John 10:9). There is no other way to get in. *Salvation is in Jesus and no one else (John 14:6).

Verses 26-30 Some of those to whom Jesus refuses entry will argue against that decision. They will say that they did know Jesus. They even ate and drank with him. They heard him as he taught in their streets. They were there but they did not believe in Jesus.

To be there and to hear Jesus is not enough. Without *faith in Jesus, there is no way into the *kingdom of God. He will send these people away. He calls them ‘people who do evil deeds’. In the end, there will be just two types of people, those inside and those outside. Both types are *sinners. But those inside have *repented and they have believed in Jesus.

Jesus will say that he did not know those other people. He does know all about each person. But here it means that he does not have a relationship with them. All who believe in Jesus become children of God. He knows them as members of the same family.

Away from the *kingdom of God will be a terrible place. In that place, people will be sorry and angry. They will regret that they did not accept the good news of Jesus. But then it will be too late.

Many *Jews at that time thought that the *kingdom of God was only for the *Jews. Every *Jew expected to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the *feast in the *kingdom of God. It will surprise them to see people from all round the world go into the *kingdom. They are the people from every nation who have accepted the good news of Jesus. These people who are not *Jewish will be at home in the *kingdom. These people, whom many *Jews considered without hope, will be there. But some *Jews will not be able to go in. Nobody who refuses to accept the good news of Jesus will be able to enter the *kingdom of God.

Jerusalem, the city where people killed many of the *prophets – Luke 13:31-35

v31 At that same time, some *Pharisees came to Jesus. They said to him, ‘Go away from here. Go somewhere else because Herod wants to kill you.’

v32 Jesus replied to them, ‘Go and tell this message to that fox. I will force *demons to leave people and I will cure people today and tomorrow. I will finish my work on the third day. v33 But I must be on my way today, tomorrow, and the next day. It cannot be right for a *prophet to die outside of Jerusalem.

v34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, your people have killed the *prophets. The *Lord sent these *prophets to them. But they threw stones and they killed those *prophets. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a mother bird gathers her *chicks under her wings. But you would not let me. v35 God has gone from your house so that it is completely empty. I tell you that you will certainly not see me again for some time. You will not see me until you say, “God *bless you, because you have come in the name of the *Lord.” ’

Verses 31-33 It is strange that the *Pharisees warned Jesus about Herod. But they did warn Jesus that Herod wanted to kill him. This was Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great. Herod Antipas was the ruler in the regions called Galilee and Perea. Perea was to the east of the Jordan river. The *Pharisees suggested that Jesus should go somewhere else. It could be that Jesus was at this time in one of those regions. He was on his way to Jerusalem, which is in the region of Judea. Pontius Pilate was responsible for Judea.

Jesus referred to Herod as ‘that fox’. The *Jews used the term ‘fox’ for a person who was clever in a bad way. Herod was a clever and a cruel man. Also, they used ‘fox’ for a person that they could not respect. Jesus would not respect such a person as Herod.

Jesus told the *Pharisees to go to Herod. He told them to tell Herod that Jesus would complete his task. It did not matter to Jesus what Herod tried to do. God had chosen his time and Herod could not change it. Jesus would continue to free people from the power of *demons and to cure sick people. ‘Today, tomorrow and the third day’ mean a short time. Jesus had a short time in which to complete his work. God, and not Herod, would decide when Jesus would die.

In the purposes of God, Jesus must die in Jerusalem. Jesus expected to suffer as a *prophet. And it would not be right for Jesus the *prophet to die elsewhere.

Verses 34-35 Jesus probably spoke these words as he approached Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39). Maybe Luke has recorded them earlier to fit in with the design of his book. But perhaps Jesus said these things on more than one occasion. In this passage, the word ‘you’ means Jerusalem and its inhabitants.

The people in Jerusalem had killed many of the *prophets. They had thrown stones at some of them until they died. Jesus knew that he too would die there.

The fate of that city upset Jesus deeply. He knew what would happen to it in the future. He loved the people in Jerusalem and he wanted to save them from that future. He wanted them to come to him for his protection. But he knew that they had refused him. They would not come to him.

In a special way, God had been at home in Jerusalem. Now however, he had gone away from it. He did not live there still. The ‘house’ was empty without God. The ‘house’ probably means the city called Jerusalem. But it could refer to God’s *temple that was in Jerusalem.

People did cry out in this way when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:38). That event is not what Jesus was referring to here. The people who cried out then were not the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Matthew records these words after Jesus had entered Jerusalem (Matthew 23:39). Jesus has promised to come again. That event is still in the future. When he comes, the people of Jerusalem will accept Jesus as the *Christ. Then they will say these words, which come from Psalms 118:26.

sacrifice ~ a gift to God to ask him to forgive sins or to thank him for something. To sacrifice means to make a sacrifice.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.'repent / repentance ~ to change one’s mind and heart. To turn away from sin and turn to God. To turn one’s mind and heart away from sin is to repent.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.
tower ~ a tall building.
sinners ~ people who sin.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.
figs ~ a kind of sweet fruit.
vineyard ~ a farm or large garden where people grow the fruit to produce wine.
worship ~ the act when someone gives honour to God. Someone who worships, praises God. That person thanks God. And that person respects God.
Roman ~ Rome was the capital city of the rulers at that time. Anything that belonged to Rome was Roman.
Passover ~ annual ceremony (feast) to remember God’s rescue of the Jews from Egypt.
feast ~ a time to eat and drink. The special times of many Jewish ceremonies are feasts.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
Jewish ~ people or things that are from the Jews.
Sabbath ~ the 7th day of the week (Saturday), which is special to the Jews as a holy day.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
synagogue ~ a building where Jews gather for prayer; a meeting place for Jews.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
Lord ~ a title for God, or Jesus, to show that he is over all people and things. In the Old Testament, LORD was a special name for God.

Old Testament ~ the first part of the Bible; the holy things that the writers wrote before Jesus’ birth.
hypocrite ~ someone who pretends in order to give a false impression.
ox ~ an animal of a similar kind to a cow. The plural is oxen.
donkey ~ an animal with long ears. It is like a small horse. People use donkeys to ride on or to carry goods.
Satan ~ the name of the devil.
Pharisees ~ a group of Jews who tried to obey all God’s rules. Many of them did not approve of Jesus.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
Jewish ~ people or things that are from the Jews.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
kingdom ~ the place or territory where a king rules. In the New Testament, this is nearly always the people over whom the king rules and not a territory on earth.

New Testament ~ the last part of the Bible, which the writers wrote after the life of Jesus on earth.
mustard ~ a kind of herb or spice which grows quickly from a very small seed.
herbs ~ plants that people grow for a useful purpose, for example as medicine or to add flavour to food.
spices ~ a sweet substance or a substance with a strong smell.
yeast ~ a substance that makes bread rise before someone bakes the bread.
dough ~ a mixture, mainly of flour and water, from which people make bread.
prophet ~ person who speaks on behalf of God. A prophet can sometimes say what will happen in the future.
feast ~ a time to eat and drink. The special times of many Jewish ceremonies are feasts.
Jewish ~ people or things that are from the Jews.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
salvation ~ the result when God saves us from sin and punishment; the new life that God gives to those people who believe in the Lord Jesus.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.
Lord ~ a title for God, or Jesus, to show that he is over all people and things. In the Old Testament, LORD was a special name for God.

Old Testament ~ the first part of the Bible; the holy things that the writers wrote before Jesus’ birth.
salvation ~ the result when God saves us from sin and punishment; the new life that God gives to those people who believe in the Lord Jesus.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.
Lord ~ a title for God, or Jesus, to show that he is over all people and things. In the Old Testament, LORD was a special name for God.

Old Testament ~ the first part of the Bible; the holy things that the writers wrote before Jesus’ birth.
faith ~ trust in someone or something; belief and trust in God and in Jesus Christ his Son.
demons ~ evil angels that serve the devil.
angel ~ a special servant of God from heaven. God made angels to serve him and to take his messages. So, angels are God’s servants from heaven. But there are evil angels who opposed God. These evil angels now serve the devil.
chicks ~ very young birds.
bless ~ to show kindness to someone.
temple ~ a special building for the worship of God. The Jews had a temple in Jerusalem for the worship of the real God. But at other temples, people worshipped false gods.
worship ~ the act when someone gives honour to God. Someone who worships, praises God. That person thanks God. And that person respects God.
Jews ~ people who were born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the families of their children.
Christ ~ the Christ is the name for the person whom God would send to be the Saviour of his people. Jesus is the Christ and he was called Christ.
Saviour ~ a title for Jesus, who saves his people from their sins.
sin ~ sin is the wrong things that we do. To sin is to do wrong, bad or evil deeds and not to obey God.