The Narrow Door…the hard choice. Jesus preached that we should consider taking the road less traveled, the path that is perhaps the least favorite. The people asked, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” They go the sense that this wasn’t going to be easy and Jesus doesn’t hold back and give an easy answer–something we like to do in this culture–he tells them plainly, “many will try to enter and will not be able to.” This is a passage worth reading a few times.
From Jerusalem to Perea
Just three short verses that assume you’ve been reading the narrative. There is a very special relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist; here Jesus visits the place where he preached about the coming Messiah and baptized many. In this place, many came to know Christ.
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
During the Festival of Dedication, in the winter, the Jews ask Jesus to tell them directly in order to provoke others to action. They want Jesus to say that which would give them reason for stone him, “but Jesus said to them, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?'”
We are reminded that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the sheep hear his voice, “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” Although the Jews want the Messiah to come, they want him to come on their terms and on their side. Jesus is obedient to the Father, not man.
And again he escaped their grasp.
Parable of the Mustard Seed and Yeast
Relentless in His pursuit to reach people, “Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.” His teaching on the Mustard Seed is included in Matthew, Mark and Luke while the parable of the yeast is recalled in Matthew and Luke. Shore verses with strong impact–perhaps we should consider these words carefully!
Matthew 13:31-33, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-22Woman healed on the Sabbath
Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath and upsets the synagogue leader. There seems to be no surprise that Jesus could effect the healing of this woman, only that it was done on the Sabbath. The leader actually suggests anyone who wants to be healed should come back on a day other than the Sabbath. Jesus immediately responds to reveal his hypocrisy. Here’s the cool part in verse 17: “all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.”
Luke 13:10-17Repent or Perish — It’s That Simple
Sometimes the Bible seems to avoid being direct, other times it’s quite clear. Here’s a mix: Pilate mixed blood with sacrifices. In other words, he had Galileans slaughtered along with their sacrifices. What was that about? Jesus doesn’t miss a beat, “unless you repent, you too will perish.” Not that he isn’t saddened by Pilate’s actions, but his focus is on the coming weeks when he will enter Jerusalem for the ultimate sacrifice.
The parable that follows is one of my favorites. The fig tree that produces no fruit gets one more year, another season, one more chance. The farmer appears to graciously allow for another chance, though the story is left open-ended.
Luke 13:1-9Interpreting the Times
Unable to see the turbulent spiritual battles in front of them, Jesus tells us (“he said to the crowd”) to look at the evidence in front of us. The NIV Study Bible notes provide this insight:
Luke 12:54-59Despite the insistence of the Pharisees, despite the Roman system and even despite the pressure of family, a person must accept God on his terms. The signs of the times called for immediate decision–before judgment came on the Jewish nation. NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, p.1732
Not Peace but Division
The peace that Jesus brings is Peace with the Father. This will result in conflict as Satan will not be satisfied with anything the draws people to Christ–expect problems! Families will be divided. It’s interesting to read how Jesus expresses his desire to be beyond this baptism, these constraints.
I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!
Matthew 10:34-36, Luke 12:49-53
Watchfulness. Much will be required.
Matthew, Mark and Luke all include warnings to be watchful, to be ready at all times–for all to be on guard. In this passage, Jesus provides a parable to underscore the importance of being alert by prepared for the master’s return–any time.
Luke 12:35-48From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Do Not Worry – Seek His Kingdom First
I should have included this passage when I covered Matthew 6:25-34 (see post here), but it’s ok to visit this twice, if not providential! Instead of focusing on the first half, “do not worry,” let’s focus on the second part, “But seek his kingdom…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Luke 12:22-34