Luke 13:18-35
Q.1. In what way is the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed and yeast? – (Lk.13:18-21)
The parables Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God are very encouraging. He told of a mustard seed, planted by a man in his garden (Lk.13:19). The seed grew to become a tree, large enough to provide a place in which birds could nest. God has designed seeds to grow. Similarly, with the leaven placed in a woman’s flour dough … it spread throughout the whole mix. In both cases, God had created it to grow and spread. Nothing will stop the spread of the Gospel, which holds the key to the Kingdom of God.
Q.2. What surprises await those who seek the Kingdom of God? What is the warning for us? – (Lk.13:22-30)
Jesus was responding to the question – Lord, are there just a few who are being saved? (Lk.13:23). There seems to be no simple answer to this question. Jesus explained – (i) The road to salvation is via a narrow door – for many, I tell you will seek to enter and will not be able (Lk.13:24). We must choose the path we follow wisely. (ii) Many will seek to enter by another way but the Master will refuse them entrance, saying – I do not know where you are from (Lk.13:25). Though they claim to have been His associates, being familiar with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God will declare – Depart from Me, all you evildoers (Lk.13:27 c.f. 28). (iii) The surprise, according to Jesus, is that many ‘outsiders’ from around the world – will recline at the table in the kingdom of God (Lk.13:29). As Jesus often repeated – the kingdom belongs to those who do the will of His Father in heaven (c.f. Lk.8:21). Though the nation of Israel had been the first Covenant people, latecomers could enter the kKngdom before them (Lk.13:30).
Q.3. How did Jesus know that He must die at Jerusalem? Why was He heartbroken over the people of Jerusalem? – (Lk.13:31-35)
Jesus was well acquainted with the Scriptures, so was not intimidated by any threat posed by King Herod, as cunning as he was (Lk.13:31-32). He knew He was Abraham’s greater Son, Who was destined to be sacrificed on Mount Moriah [Mount Calvary]. He was King David’s greater Son, Who will reign from Mount Zion in Jerusalem. He would confidently continue His ministry until His time had fully come, when He would die as the Passover Lamb (Lk.13:33). It broke His heart that His offer to be their Messiah was being rejected. He declared – 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, `Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'” (Lk.13:34-35). Jesus foreshadowed a time when Israel would genuinely welcome Him (Lk.13:35 c.f. Ps.118:26; Zech.12:10-13:1; 14:3-5).