and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Interpreting the Time
54He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’ and so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’ and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
Settling with Your Opponent
57“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case,i or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison. 59I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
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a Or power
b Gk Gehenna
c Other ancient authorities add or what
d Or add a cubit to your stature
e Other ancient authorities read Consider the lilies; they neither spin nor weave
f Other ancient authorities read God’s
g Other ancient authorities add would have watched and
h Or cut him off
i Gk settle with him
12.1–13.21 More teaching on discipleship.
12.1–12 Cf. Mt 16.5–6; 10.26–33; Mk 8.14–15. Words of warning and encouragement.
12.1 Luke contrasts the reaction of the crowd with that of the religious leaders (11.53–54; cf. 23.13–18). Yeast, actually sour or fermenting dough, suggesting hidden corruption (cf. 13.21).
12.2 On what is covered up and uncovered, see also 8.17; 10.21–22.
12.4 My friends. See Jn 15.13–15.
12.5 Whom to fear, i.e., God (see also Acts 9.31; 2 Cor 7.1; Phil 2.12; 1 Pet 1.17; 2.17). Hell, lit. Gehenna (text note b), originally the name of a valley near Jerusalem used at one time for human burnt sacrifices (Jer 19.4–6), then for burning rubbish. It became the name of the place of eternal punishment (Rev 9.1–2; 21.8).
12.6 Two pennies, a tiny sum.
12.7 Are all counted, i.e., known to God (see also 21.18; 1 Sam 14.45; 2 Sam 14.11; 1 Kings 1.52; Acts 27.34).
12.8 The wording is strange here, suggesting that the Son of Man was a figure different from Jesus (see also 9.26; 17.22–30). The issue is widely debated (see also note on 5.24).
12.10 In Luke-Acts, denial of Jesus can be forgiven (Lk 22.32, 54–62), but sins against the Holy Spirit risk dire judgment (Acts 5.1–11; 7.51; 8.18–24).
12.11 On trials before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, see 21.12; Acts 4.1–22; 5.17–42; 17.1–9; 22.30–23.10;24.1–21; 26.1–29.
12.12 Will teach you. Cf. 21.15; Jn 14.26.
12.13–21 The peril of wealth is demonstrated with a parable. See note on 9.25.
12.13 A teacher, or rabbi, could be expected to interpret the inheritance laws (Num 27.1–11; 36.7–9; Deut 21.15–17).
12.14 Friend, lit. “man”(Greek anthrope). See 22.58, 60. Judge or arbitrator. See Acts 7.27, 35.
12.17 Thought to himself. See vv. 19, 45; 15.17; 16.3–4; 18.4–5; 20.13.
12.19 Eat, drink, be merry was a common adage, though it often continues, “for tomorrow we die”(see Eccl 8.15; Tob 7.10; Sir 11.18–19; 1 Cor 15.32).
12.20 The fool leaves God out of the reckoning (see Ps 14.1).
12.21 Rich toward God. See notes on 11.41; 12.33; see also 16.13.
12.22–34 Cf. Mt 6.25–34, 19–21. The words on needless worrying serve as a commentary on the preceding parable (cf. Mt 6).
12.27 According to 1 Kings 3.10–14, wealth and power were given to Solomon because he did not seek them first (see also v. 31).
12.28 On human life as transitory as grass, see Job 8.12; Pss 37.2; 90.5–6; 102.11; 103.15–16; Isa 37.27;40.6–8.
12.30 The nations of the world, the Gentiles, who are often negative examples (see 22.25; Mt 5.47;6.7, 32; 18.17; 20.25).
12.32 Do not be afraid. See note on 1.13. Little flock, an image of care (see Ezek 34.11–31).
12.33 Sell your possessions. See 14.33; 18.22; Acts 2.44–45; 4.34–35. Give alms. See notes on 11.41;12.21.
12.35–48 Cf. Mt 24.42–51; Mk 13.33–37. Admonitions on watchfulness.
12.35 Dressed for action, an OT image of readiness for service (e.g., 1 Kings 18.46; 2 Kings 4.29).
12.37 Alert when he comes. Cf. Jesus’ disciples in 22.39–46. On the image of a master who serves, see 22.24–27. Blessed. See note on 6.20.
12.40 On the coming of the Son of Man as judge, see note on 5.24; see also 17.22–37; 18.8; 21.27, 36. An unexpected hour. See also v. 46; 21.34–36; Acts 1.7.
12.41 Peter’s role as spokesman will be central in Acts.
12.42–43 The household manager was usually a well-trained slave who was given significant responsibilities (see 16.1–8).
12.44 On the increased responsibility of those who have received, see also v. 48; 19.11–27.
12.49–59 Cf. Mt 10.34–36; 16.2–3; 5.25–26; Mk 10.38. Jesus defines his ministry in terms of division and judgment.
12.49 Fire to the earth suggests purification (3.16; Lev 13.52; Num 31.23) or judgment (9.54; 2 Kings 1.10–14). See also 1 Kings 18.36–40.
12.50 Jesus’ baptism, here meant figuratively (cf. 3.21–22), probably refers to his death, which was earlier defined as his departure in (see note on) 9.31. Stress implies a form of constraint like that of the prophets (see Jer 20.9; Am 3.8).
12.51 The promise of peace (see notes on 2.14; 7.50; 10.5; see also 1.79; 2.29; 8.48;19.38; 24.36; Acts 9.31; 10.36) becomes a threat of division if the Messiah is rejected (see 2.34; 10.8–12;19.41–44).
12.53 The promise to turn the hearts of parents to their children (1.17) is thwarted by rejection (see also Mic 7.6).
12.54–55 Contrast the weather pattern described here with Mt 16.2–3.
12.56 On hypocrites, especially as interpreters, see 6.39–42; 13.14–15; see also notes on 6.42; 12.1. The present time, i.e., the crucial time of Jesus’ ministry.
Luke 13
Repent or Perish
1At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman
10Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” 13When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. 14But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.” 15But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? 16And ought not this woman
, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?” 17When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
18He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? 19It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
The Parable of the Yeast
20And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? 21It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in witha three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
The Narrow Door
22Jesusb went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them, 24“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then in reply he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27But he will say, ‘I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!’ 28There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. 29Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. 30Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
The Lament over Jerusalem
31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me,c ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes whend you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
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a Gk hid in
b Gk He
c Gk lacks for me
d Other ancient authorities lack the time comes when
13.1–9 Cf. Mt 21.18–19; Mk 11.12–14. Jesus repeats John’s message of repentance.
13.1 Pilate was known for brutal reprisals and disdain for local religious practices (Josephus, Antiquities 18.85–89; War 2.169–77; see also Lk 3.1;23.1–25). The incident mentioned in this verse is otherwise unattested.
13.2 Physical suffering was widely viewed as a consequence of sin (see Deut 28–30; Ezek 18.26–27; Jn 9.2–3).
13.3 Repent. See also John’s preaching of repentance in 3.1–17.
13.4 The calamity with the tower of Siloam is otherwise unattested. The tower probably formed part of the defenses of Jerusalem.
13.6 Fig tree, a frequent metaphor for Israel or Judah (see Jer 8.13; Hos 9.10; Mic 7.1). Looking for fruit. Cf. Mt 21.19; Mk 11.13.
13.10–17 The third sabbath controversy (see also 6.1–5; 6.6–11; 14.1–6), here with Jesus teaching in the synagogue (see also 4.14–30, 31–38, 44).
13.11 For the perceived link between illness and an evil spirit, see note on 8.2–3; see also 9.42.
13.14 The objection to the healing is based on Ex 20.9–10; Deut 5.13–14.
13.15–16 Jesus argues from a lesser issue of care for the needs of animals (a point granted by the rabbis; see 14.5) to the greater issue of care for an afflicted woman.
13.16 Daughter of Abraham identifies the woman as a Jew (Gen 12.2–3; 4 Macc 15.28; see also Lk 8.48; 19.9; cf. 3.8). Satan. See 10.18; 11.18; 22.3. The healing is presented as a conquest over evil powers (see also 4.39; 6.18; 7.21; 8.2;9.1, 42).
13.18–21 Cf. Mt 13.31–33; Mk 4.30–32. Parables of remarkable growth.
13.19 A tree that provides shelter was a familiar metaphor for a kingdom (see Ezek 17.22–24; 31.2–9; Dan 4.10–12).
13.21 Yeast, here a positive metaphor for hidden growth (cf. 12.1; 1 Cor 5.6–8).
13.22–17.10 Jesus continues on his way to Jerusalem.
13.22–30 Cf. Mt 7.13–14, 22–23; 8.11–12;19.30; Mk 10.31. Statements on salvation and rejection set the tone for this phase of the journey.
13.22 A summary statement noting progress toward Jerusalem (see note on 9.51).
13.23 The issue of whether many or a few would be saved was widely debated (see 2 Esd 7.47;8.1; 9.15).
13.24 Strive. Luke emphasizes the struggle the few must undertake to be saved, not merely their moral choice (cf. Mt 7.13–14).
13.25 The image shifts to one of limited time before the door to salvation is shut.
13.26 We ate and drank with you, a sign of community; see also 7.34; 14.12–14.
13.27 Evildoers, an allusion to Ps 6.8.
13.28 Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the three patriarchs of Israel. See 20.37; Deut 1.8; Acts 3.13;7.32. Thrown out. See also 16.22–31.
13.29 The people coming from every direction could be diaspora Jews or Gentiles (see Ps 107.2–3; Isa 43.5–6; 49.12). Eat in the kingdom of God. A common image for salvation (see 14.15; 22.16, 29–30; see note on 14.8; see also Isa 25.6–8; 65.13–14; Rev 3.20; 19.9).
13.31–35 Cf. Mt 23.37–39. Jesus links his fate with that of the prophets.
13.31 On Jesus’ rejection of the counsel of some Pharisees, see also 19.39. Herod Antipas. See note on 3.1;9.7–9; see also 3.19–20; 23.6–12.
13.32 To call Herod a fox is a dangerous insult; a lion would be the desired royal image (see 1 Kings 10.18–20; see also Rev 5.5). The third day. An allusion to the resurrection (see also 9.22; 18.33; 24.7, 21, 46; 1 Cor 15.4). Finish my work. See notes on 9.31; 9.51).
13.33 I must. In Luke, this necessity is not fate but obedience to God’s will (see 4.43;7.30; 22.42; Acts 2.23; 4.28; see also notes on 2.49 and 9.22).
13.34 Jerusalem, the focus of the impending confrontation (19.41–44). On the death of prophets, see 11.49–51; 2 Chr 24.20–22; Jer 26.20–23; Acts 7.52. I desired, you were not willing. The conflict of wills is clear. The outstretched wings of the divine presence in the temple sheltered Israel (Deut 32.11; Pss 17.8; 57.1;61.4).
13.35 The house forsaken is an image of judgment on the temple (see Jer 22.5–6). Blessed…of the Lord, a royal greeting from Ps 118.26, actually spoken in Lk 19.38. See also 7.19.
Luke 14
Jesus Heals the Man with Dropsy
1On one occasion when Jesusa was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. 2Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. 3And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?” 4But they were silent. So Jesusb took him and healed him, and sent him away. 5Then he said to them, “If one of you has a childc or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a sabbath day?” 6And they could not reply to this.
Humility and Hospitality
7When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’ then you will be honored in the pre
sence of all who sit at the table with you. 11For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
12He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
The Parable of the Great Dinner
15One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16Then Jesusd said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. 17At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ 19Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ 20Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ 23Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. 24For I tell you,e none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’”
The Cost of Discipleship
25Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
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