Tyndale Open Study NotesLuke 13

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 Psalms 34:21; 75:10; Proverbs 3:33; 10:3, 6–7, 16, 24–25; John 9:2–3).

the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices: This specific event is not mentioned in other known sources. But Pilate was a harsh governor who violently put down unrest on several occasions (see Josephus, War 2.9.2–4; Antiquities 18.3.1–2).

when the tower of Siloam collapsed: This incident is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture or other known records. The pool of Siloam was a reservoir in the southeastern part of Jerusalem. The tower may have been part of Jerusalem’s southern wall.

The parable of the barren fig tree (a story about a tree that does not produce fruit) shows the ministry of Jesus to Israel. If the nation did not produce the fruit of repentance (turning away from sin), it would face judgment. The story does not give a final ending, which shows that Israel still had a chance to respond. Compare with Matthew 21:18–19 and the similar passage in Mark 11:12–14.

a fig tree: People sometimes described Israel as a fig tree without fruit or a vineyard that God would judge (Isaiah 5:1–7; Micah 7:1–2; see Jeremiah 8:13; 24:1–10; Hosea 9:10).

cut it down: A stump or fallen tree symbolized judgement or destruction (compare 3:9; see also Isaiah 6:13; 10:34; 11:1; Jeremiah 46:22; Daniel 4:23; Matthew 3:10; 7:19).

Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues (see 4:14–30): Visiting Jewish rabbis (religious teachers with authority) often taught after reading the Law and the Prophets in the synagogue.

disabled by a spirit: See study note on 11:14.

not on the Sabbath: Jewish rabbis (religious teachers with authority) debated whether people should give medical help on the Sabbath day. They decided it was suitable only in extreme emergencies.

• You hypocrites! Hypocrites are people who pretend to be good or righteous, saying one thing but doing another. The religious leaders would care for their own animals on the Sabbath, but they would not help another person in need.

  There is also a play on words in the text. The same word is used for "untie" (13:15) and "released" (13:16). The leaders would free their animals but not a daughter of Abraham, one of God's chosen people.

• whom Satan has kept bound: This means she was under the power of Satan. Jesus drove out demons and healed people, which showed the kingdom of God (God’s rule) and the defeat of Satan (see 11:20).

Jesus gave a wise answer that made his enemies feel shame and fall silent. In Jewish society, honor was a very important value.

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 (leaven) in dough, it spreads through everything.

the birds of the air nested in its branches: The birds represent people who see the kingdom as a safe and secure place.

It is like the leaven: Leaven (or yeast) can represent evil (see 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). But here it shows the positive, spreading, and transforming power of the kingdom.

will only a few people 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).

• After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door: At a banquet or feast, the master locks the door after the guests with an invitation arrive.

• I do not know where you are from: In Scripture, knowing often means being chosen by God for a special relationship (Isaiah 63:16; Jeremiah 1:5; Amos 3:2). The people of Israel were God's chosen people. They came from Abraham's family line (where you are 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 of God.

• The phrase weeping and gnashing of teeth shows rejection and suffering.

• Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the three main founding fathers (patriarchs) of Israel.

Although many Israelites, God's chosen people, have rejected the gospel, people from all over the world will accept God's offer of salvation and attend the future banquet of the Messiah (see 14:15; 17:20; Isaiah 2:2; 25:6–8; 51:4; 52:10; 55:5; 56:7; 59:19; Micah 4:1–2; Zechariah 2:13; Malachi 1:11).

• Go tell that fox: In the first century AD, Jews saw foxes as harmful and animals that had no worth.

• driving out demons and healing people: These actions showed that the kingdom of God was already present. His resurrection on the third day would later show that he truly brought in God’s kingdom.

a prophet to perish: See “The Suffering Prophet” Theme Note.

as a hen gathers her chicks: Compare Deuteronomy 32:11; Ruth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4.

• Your house is left to you desolate: Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem that took place in AD 70.

• Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord: This refers to Psalm 118:26. Psalm 118 was one of the psalms sung by people traveling to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. Here, Jesus referred to his second coming.