The big picture
Reports of violent death lead Jesus, the teacher and healer, to challenge a common assumption: suffering does not prove its victims were worse sinners. He directs the hearers toward their own need to turn to God. A healed woman then exposes another failure to recognise mercy. Jesus describes a growing kingdom and an entrance that will not remain open forever. He continues toward Jerusalem, the city with God's temple. A threat cannot stop him, but the city's refusal brings him grief.
In this chapter
- More Time Still Calls for Fruit Luke 13:1-9
People report that Pilate, the Roman governor, killed Galilæans, people from the northern region, during their sacrifices.
- A Bent Woman Is Freed on the Sabbath Luke 13:10-17
In a synagogue, a place of worship, Jesus sees a woman bent over for eighteen years by a spirit of infirmity.
- Small Beginnings Spread Through the Whole Luke 13:18-21
Jesus gives two pictures of God's kingdom.
- A Narrow Door Will Close Luke 13:22-30
On the road to Jerusalem, someone asks whether only a few will be saved.
- A Threat Cannot Divert His Work Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees, members of a strict religious group, warn that Herod, the regional ruler, wants Jesus killed.
Central truth
God's mercy gives time to turn and freedom to the bound, yet Jesus warns that refusal has a final cost.
Scripture beside the summary
Luke · King James Version · 35Luke 13:1-9
More Time Still Calls for Fruit
People report that Pilate, the Roman governor, killed Galilæans, people from the northern region, during their sacrifices. Jesus denies that this proves unusual guilt. He also names eighteen people killed by a falling tower in Siloam, an area of Jerusalem. They were not worse offenders than their neighbours. The hearers too must turn from sin or perish. Jesus then describes a fruitless fig tree. Its owner wants it cut down after three barren years, but the gardener asks for one more year of digging and manure. Fruit is still expected. Extra time is mercy, not proof that the tree's lack of fruit no longer matters.
In everyday life
A disaster-support chaplain hears survivors blame those who died in a collapse for careless choices they cannot verify. She stops the speculation and helps them face their own fragile lives and present responsibilities. Survival is not a certificate of moral superiority. Jesus also warns of repentance and judgement, not only humility after disaster.
Notice
Luke 13:5 Jesus repeats the warning after a second kind of death, an accident rather than an official killing. Neither event proves the victims were uniquely guilty.
Luke 13:1-9
King James Version1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?
3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Luke 13:10-17
A Bent Woman Is Freed on the Sabbath
In a synagogue, a place of worship, Jesus sees a woman bent over for eighteen years by a spirit of infirmity. He calls her, declares her free, and lays hands on her. She stands straight and praises God. The synagogue ruler objects because it is the sabbath, the weekly holy rest day. He tells people to seek healing on working days. Jesus points out that they untie animals for water on the sabbath. How much more should this daughter of Abraham, a member of God's covenant people, be released from Satan's bond? Satan is God's enemy. His opponents are shamed, and the crowd rejoices at her freedom.
In everyday life
A stable manager unfastens a tether so a thirsty horse can reach water, then objects when a visitor asks to open a locked gate for a disabled guest. A colleague points out the unequal care in those two choices. The rule has become selective. Jesus frees a woman from a spiritual bond and illness, not a blocked entrance.
Notice
Luke 13:16 Calling her a daughter of Abraham names her belonging before discussing the length of her suffering. She is not an interruption to the community's worship.
Luke 13:10-17
King James Version10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
11And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
15The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
17And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
Luke 13:18-21
Small Beginnings Spread Through the Whole
Jesus gives two pictures of God's kingdom. A man places a mustard seed in a garden, and it grows large enough for birds to shelter in its branches. The beginning is small, but the result provides room for life. A woman mixes leaven, yeast, into a large amount of flour. It works through all the dough rather than staying in one visible lump. Together the pictures describe growth and influence that reach much farther than the start suggests. God's kingdom is not measured only by what a first glance can see. Quiet beginnings can lead to a wide and lasting effect.
In everyday life
A sourdough baker folds a small starter into a large bowl of flour and water. Hours later the whole mixture has risen, though no separate lump of starter remains visible. The hidden addition has changed the entire batch. Jesus describes God's kingdom spreading toward fulfilment, not only the natural action of yeast.
Notice
Luke 13:21 The woman mixes leaven until its effect reaches all the meal. The emphasis falls on the whole amount changed, not on a large starting portion.
Luke 13:18-21
King James Version18Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
19It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
20And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Luke 13:22-30
A Narrow Door Will Close
On the road to Jerusalem, someone asks whether only a few will be saved. Jesus turns the question into a call to enter through the narrow door. Many will seek entry too late. He pictures a householder closing the door and refusing people who claim to have eaten near him and heard his teaching. Familiar access cannot excuse their wrongdoing. They will grieve outside while Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their people's forefathers, and the prophets belong inside God's kingdom. People from every direction will join the feast. Some assumed insiders will be last, while people treated as last will come first.
In everyday life
An inactive club member arrives after a limited enrolment has closed and points to old photographs proving he once attended events. The registrar explains that being near the group did not complete the required response while entry was open. Past access cannot reopen the door. Jesus speaks of salvation and final exclusion, not an administrative deadline.
Notice
Luke 13:26 The excluded people appeal to shared meals and public teaching. Jesus' reply distinguishes being around him from responding to him in a changed life.
Luke 13:22-30
King James Version22And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
30And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
Luke 13:31-35
A Threat Cannot Divert His Work
Some Pharisees, members of a strict religious group, warn that Herod, the regional ruler, wants Jesus killed. Jesus calls him a fox and says he will continue healing and expelling devils until his task is complete. He must keep going toward Jerusalem, known for killing God's prophets. He mourns over the city, describing his wish to gather its people like a hen sheltering her young. They have refused. Their house is left abandoned, and they will not see him until they welcome the one coming in God's name. Resolve toward his task and grief for those rejecting him stand together.
In everyday life
The threatened relief worker keeps the day's agreed visits while a local official tries to frighten her away. She refuses to abandon those waiting, yet grieves when some residents reject the shelter being offered. Firm purpose does not remove sorrow. Jesus fulfils a divine task that leads to death in Jerusalem, not a relief route alone.
Notice
Luke 13:34 The hen image expresses a desire to protect the city that rejects him. His warning comes with grief over refused shelter, not pleasure in its loss.
Luke 13:31-35
King James Version31The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
32And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
33Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
35Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Luke 13:1 begins with “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.”
Where the chapter turns
Luke 13:18 forms a natural hinge: “Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?”
The final note
Luke 13:35 leaves the reader with “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that…”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Lord, Jerusalem, sabbath, kingdom, tell, woman help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- dung
- Manure placed around a plant to improve the soil.
- strait
- Narrow or constricted, used here of the entrance to salvation.
- desolate
- Left empty, abandoned, or without the care once offered.
Music and video connected to the passage
Related media appears when its Scripture reference overlaps this study. Music and video can illuminate a theme while the biblical text remains the foundation.
