Luke Chapter 13: Advent
Luke 13 continues to hone in on Jesus’ message about the presence of sin in our lives, God’s solution, and the responsibility for the believer as a result. Jesus also teaches about how faith works when we allow it to penetrate us and permeate our lives. A miracle shows someone able to stand tall because of Christ’s touch, but this – as is the same with much of chapter 13 – also carries metaphorical connotations. May we in faith be able to stand tall for the Lord!
As you read, pay attention to how Jesus’ sense of urgency seems to increase as He nears Jerusalem. Jesus teaches using physical elements, but He is speaking of spiritual realities. These episodes are at the heart of why Jesus used parables, as He explained earlier in the Gospel.
You can read today’s chapter by clicking here.
Reflection Questions:
- Jesus speaks a truth about the nature of sin in our lives. What was it? Do you sometimes struggle to believe that one category of sin is not worse than another? What is the implication? What is the solution?
- Jesus follows up this teaching with a parable in verses 6-9. What was His point? What does this mean for you? What might this mean for someone you know struggling in sin?
- What is Jesus’ emphasis about the Sabbath and how we are to approach it?
- The woman Jesus healed was now able to walk upright. Have you experienced God’s healing where you are able to stand up straight for Him, either physically or symbolically?
- Jesus next tells two parables, one about a mustard seed and the other about leaven (or yeast)? What is the significance? How do you square Jesus’ multiple references to leaven or yeast as Luke gives us in the Gospel. What is the significance?
- Who will make it through the narrow door according to Jesus? Why is the door narrow to begin with and not wider?
- What does Jesus refer to in verses 32-33? Is He just talking about those days in particular, or something greater?
- Why does Jesus reference Jerusalem in 33, then into the conclusion of the chapter?
Prayer: Dear Lord, you designed your world and your Word to help me see you at work in my life. I believe in you, so in faith, I ask you to help me see your way. I ask this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.