ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luk 13

Luke 13:1–5 The incidents concerning Pilate killing the Galileans and the fall of the tower in Siloam are not recorded elsewhere in Scripture. whose blood Pilate had mingled. See note on 23:1. Do you think . . . worse sinners? Jesus’ rhetorical question reflects a popular view that tragedies and physical ailments were due to personal sin (see note on John 9:2). His answer (No) denies any such connection in this case. unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Nevertheless this tragic event is a warning that final judgment is coming to the entire world.

Luke 13:6–9 This parable symbolizes Israel’s last opportunity to repent before experiencing God’s judgment. Dig around it implies loosening the soil so that water can flow easily to the roots.

Luke 13:11 disabling spirit. For other examples of demons being associated with physical ailments, see 11:14.

Luke 13:14 ruler of the synagogue. A board member of the synagogue, or the official in charge of arranging services (see Acts 13:15). Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He was not violating any OT commandment, only later Jewish traditions.

Luke 13:15–16 You hypocrites. Compare 6:42; 12:56. Does not each of you introduces a “lesser to greater” argument (see note on 11:11–13). Untie and loosed are the same word in Greek.

Luke 13:19 To Jesus’ audience, the mustard seed (see notes on Matt. 13:31–32; Mark 4:30–32) was the smallest known seed. became a tree. The mustard “tree” grows to the height of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 m). The birds . . . made nests emphasizes the great size of the final plant. The Jews expected the kingdom to come with power, bringing God’s judgment on all evil. That Jesus’ teaching would arrive in such an “insignificant” way was surprising (see note on Luke 17:20).

Luke 13:21 A tiny amount of yeast can spread throughout the dough to produce a large amount of bread (see note on 1 Cor. 5:6–7). Three measures would have produced enough bread to feed a hundred people. These parables contrast the unnoticed arrival of the kingdom with its glorious conclusion when the Son of Man returns. See New Testament Theology and Key Dates.

Luke 13:23 For a similar question, see 18:26.

Luke 13:24 To be “saved,” one should strive to enter through the narrow door. This involves repentance (vv. 3, 5) and faith (8:12). For many . . . will seek to enter and will not be able. Someday, the opportunity to trust in Christ will be taken away. (But see note on John 6:37.)

Luke 13:25–26 “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” Listening to Jesus’ teachings and sharing fellowship with his people are not by themselves any guarantee of eternal life. That comes only through personal faith in Christ.

Luke 13:27 “I do not know. . . . Depart from me.” Jesus is the final Judge of all mankind (see note on 2 Cor. 5:10).

Luke 13:28 Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets represent those Israelites who believe.

Luke 13:29 Many believing Gentiles (people from the east, west, north, and south; compare Ps. 107:3) will enter the kingdom (see Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8).

Luke 13:30 will be first . . . will be last. See note on Matt. 20:16.

Luke 13:31 Herod is Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, where Jesus likely was teaching. See notes on 3:1; Matt. 14:1.

Luke 13:32 fox. A metaphor for deceitful cunning. third day. The day of Jesus’ resurrection (see 9:22).

Luke 13:33 I must go. Jesus was committed to finishing his mission. that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem. Jesus did not mean that no prophet had ever died outside of Jerusalem (see 2 Chron. 24:20–22; Jer. 26:20–23). Rather, he was using irony. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religion and worship, was more dangerous to a true prophet of God than any threats from Herod in Galilee.

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem. Jesus mourned the coming punishment of Jerusalem and all Israel (compare the lament in Psalm 137). as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. A common metaphor for loving care (compare Deut. 32:11; Ruth 2:12; Ps. 17:8; see note on Luke 19:41).

Luke 13:35 you will not see me until you say, “Blessed . . . ” The quoted blessing is from Ps. 118:26. It was chanted to pilgrims entering Jerusalem on feast days. This is not an allusion to Palm Sunday (Luke 19:38) because in Matthew’s account (Matt. 23:39) the saying occurs after Palm Sunday, and so it must refer to a later event. It may be a veiled prediction that a large number of Jews will trust in Jesus before his second coming (compare Rom. 11:12, 14).