Luke 13 Commentary
Chapter 13 commences with a brief historical event involving Pilate’s ruthlessness. Typical of this gospel!
Let there be no connection between sin and suffering. But eventually, the connection is there in the absence of repentance.
The three years of zero harvest may be the three years of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It may also refer to the complete package on offer for Israel’s salvation. It didn’t work. The vines remained fruitless. The extra year refers to the ministry of the Spirit after the resurrection. It’s not exactly extra time but it is yet another opportunity for Israel’s salvation. For the Gentiles, it is the only window to show fruitfulness.
We have another case of demon activity. The spirit (demon) kept the woman sick for 18 long years. Jesus called it Satan’s work. Demons operate under the orders of Satan. The spirit was rebuked, the woman straightened up, and her health was fully restored. Demons can cause deformities. Terrible bodiless creatures they are!
Yes and eventually, there is a connection between suffering and sin, “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth.” Verse 28. The cause is unrepented sin. It is more important that Jesus knows you than that you know Jesus. The gate into eternity is narrow; not many find it. What a warning!
The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast may be references to the fruitfulness of the saved soul. We may connect them to the parable of the fig tree in the vineyard. It is impossible to be in the kingdom of God and fail to produce fruit!
We are suspicious when we hear the Pharisees advise Jesus to ‘run’ away. Could this be a good team that is genuinely, albeit erroneously, concerned about Jesus’ safety? We cannot tell. Regardless, we know their advice is rejected. No one and nothing should stand in the will of God.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you…” Now Heaven speaks! He has longed to gather them under His wings all along, from way back. He sent Moses and Elijah to them, and several others. We see Jesus in the long history of Israel. And beyond these, we see Jesus in creation itself – the Creator entering His creation to save it. But creation is clueless.
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