Chapter Summary

Parable of barren fig tree. Woman loosed from her infirmity. Parable of mustard seed and leaven. Jesus teaching on way to Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions for Luke, Chapter 13

1. How do Jesus' responses to the incidents involving the Galileans killed by Pilate and the tower of Siloam collapsing challenge common notions about tragedy and personal responsibility? How does Jesus's response to these help us answer, "If God is good, why do bad things happen?"
2. How might the Parable of the Fig Tree encourage us to reflect on the state of our own lives and our relationship with God? What changes or improvements might it prompt us to make?
3. Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, which leads to criticism from religious leaders. What can we learn from Jesus' response to their objections? How does this challenge us to reevaluate our understanding of rules and compassion?
4. How do the concepts of inclusivity and exclusivity intersect in the context of Jesus's teaching of the narrow door to heaven? How might this teaching guide our interactions with others and our understanding of salvation?
5. Jesus expresses deep sorrow and lament over Jerusalem. What might be the reasons for his grief, and how does this relate to his broader message about repentance and God's offer of salvation? Jesus mentions the many prophets Jerusalem rejected. How does this communicate God's desire for Jerusalem to be saved? Why then does Jesus lament over Jerusalem?
6. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and leaven (yeast). What similarities do you think Kingdom of God have with a mustard seed and leaven? How do these two small items compare to the pictures people have drawn of heaven and what you may have in your mind?
7. How do we sometimes prioritize rules and traditions over acts of compassion and mercy in our own lives? How can we strike a balance between adhering to principles and extending grace to those in need?
8. What can we learn from Jesus' call to repentance in light of the Galileans being murdered by Pilate and the collapse of the Siloam tower? How might his message apply to our attitudes toward sin and repentance today?
9. After examining the Parable of the Fig Tree, how can we avoid falling into a state of spiritual complacency or assuming that time is limitless for us to bear fruit? What steps can we take to ensure that we are actively growing in our faith?
10. How can we balance the importance of rest and worship on the Sabbath with the call to show love and mercy to those in need? What principles can guide us in making similar decisions in our own lives?

Key Words/Phrase

Hypocrites rejected, vv. 15, 25, 30, 35.

Characters

Jesus, Galileans, Pilate, infirm woman, ruler of synagogue, Abraham, Satan, Isaac, Jacob, Pharisees, Herod.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 24, 34.