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).
Luke 13:26-27
Fellowship with Jesus and listening to his teaching does not guarantee salvation. Only faith in Jesus brings salvation (John 3:16; Acts 10:43; 16:31; Rom. 10:9; Eph. 2:8-10).
Luke 13:28
crying . . . grinding of teeth. Signs of deep grief and mourning in ancient Israel.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. The patriarchs of Israel who received God's covenant promises (Gen. 31:53; 50:24; Exod. 2:24; Matt. 1:2). Their faith in God was an example to others (Heb. 11:8-10, 13-21).
prophets. God's servants called to preach to ancient Israel. They trusted God and were obedient to him, even in the face of death (11:50; Rom. 11:4; Heb. 11:35-38).
thrown out. One could not depend on being a descendent of Abraham to be part of God's kingdom (see Phil. 3:3-11). Everyone must put their faith in Jesus to be saved (see note on 13:26-27).
Luke 13:31
Pharisees. See note on 5:17.
Herod. See note on 3:1. leave. Though many Pharisees were antagonistic toward Jesus (6:7; 7:30; 16:14), others followed him (John 19:38-40). Thus, this could have been a sincere warning. Or, it could have been ploy to get him to leave because of his strong teaching (vv. 22-30).Luke 13:32
fox. A metaphor in ancient Israel with multiple meanings. It could indicate someone crafty or someone who presumed they were important. They imagined themselves as a lion when they were merely a fox. Look. Though Herod (v. 31) had real political power, Jesus knew God was greater. His supernatural ministry gave evidence that he had greater authority than Herod. Jesus was not intimidated by Herod and was committed to fulfilling his Father's will. today and tomorrow, and the third day. Jesus died for sinners on the cross and was raised by God on the third day (9:22; 24:6-7; Acts 10:39-40; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).Luke 13:33
kill a prophet. An ironic statement about the history of Israel. Jerusalem was the capital of ancient Israel. Therefore, representing the nation the people of the city should have embraced the message of the prophets. Instead, they mistreated them and killed them (see notes on 11:47-48). necessary. Despite their reputation of violence towards godly prophets, Jesus was committed to going to Jerusalem. He was committed to God's plan for him to die there as the Savior of the world (Mark 10:45; John 8:28; 10:15-18). today, tomorrow, and the following day. See note on v. 32.
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