Notes on Luke 13:11-14:24

Luke 13:11

We do not know much about this woman. If she was a believer, then her spirit was guarded from the demon and she could not be possessed (see Col 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 6:16). However, he could still attack her physical body (see Job 1-2).

Luke 13:12

Jesus had compassion on the woman and took the initiative in healing her. freed. A word that usually relates to the release of prisoners or a debt obligation. Later Jesus would say that she had been bound by Satan (v. 16).

Luke 13:13

Luke often notes the immediacy of healing at Jesus's command (4:39; 5:25; 8:44, 47, 55; 18:43).

Luke 13:14

There is nothing in God's law for Israel that says one cannot heal on the Sabbath (see note on 6:1; Exod. 20:8-11). In fact, deeds of mercy and necessity were permitted on the Sabbath. However, certain people created traditions meant to keep pious Jews from breaking the law. These traditions became confused with God's law, leading people to forget God's character and the intent of his law (see Mark 7:8-9, 13). The Sabbath was made for humanity's good (Mark 2:27). Therefore, it was right to heal on that day (vv. 15-16).

Luke 13:15-16

Jesus accused the synagogue ruler (v. 14) and other like-minded Jews of hypocrisy. They did the necessary work of providing water to their animals on the Sabbath. Yet, they did not want to provide healing relief of a person's suffering. True intimacy with God can never be divorced from a compassionate concern for his people (Matt. 22:37-39; 1 John 3:10; 4:20-21).

Luke 13:16

daughter of Abraham. A physical descendent of Abraham. He was the recipient of God's covenant promises and the father of the Jewish people (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-18; 17:1-8). Jesus likely also saw her as a spiritual descendent that trusted God like Abraham did (19:9; see Rom. 4:1-3, 12-25). Satan. See note on 4:2.

Jesus' Teaching about the Kingdom of God - Luke 13:18-14:24

Luke recorded Jesus's teaching about the surprising nature of God's kingdom. It would grow slowly and include unexpected members, while those expected to enter would be excluded.

Luke 13:18-19

kingdom. see note on 4:43. mustard seed. A seed known for its small size (Matt. 13:32). Yet from the tiny seed a plant can grow eight to twelve feet tall. yeast. See note on 12:1. compare. Jesus compared the kingdom to mustard seed and yeast. In both examples, he showed that the kingdom of God starts small but eventually grows large.

Luke 13:22

the way to Jerusalem. See notes on 9:51; 18:31.

Luke 13:23

few . . . saved? The man's motive is unclear. He would have been trying to catch out Jesus with a trick question (11:54). Or he may have been worried that he wouldn't be saved. Either way, his question is urgent. But Jesus's answer is even more urgent (v. 24)

Luke 13:24

Jesus described entering God's salvation as entering a door. This door is described as narrow, which means it must be entered the correct way (Matt. 7:13-14). One must respond to Jesus with repentance and faith to be saved (vv. 3-5; 8:12; Mark 1:15).

Luke 13:25

locks the door. The door of salvation (v. 24) will not be opened forever. Once closed, the opportunity for salvation will be over (12:58; 13:6-9; 14:24). Thus, it is urgent that people who want to enter the kingdom struggle to go through the door (v. 24). That is, forsake everything that hinders them from following Jesus (5:30-32; 9:57-62). stand outside. Not everyone who believes they are saved or claims to be a believer is really a disciple of Jesus (vv. 26-27; Matt. 7:21-23).

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