Luke chapter 13

vs 13

Now see, there's a cultural thing for you right there. How many people, when healed, praise God as a matter of course? That is not a natural thing to do in our culture.

vs 14

When you say it like that, it sounds so reasonable. 85.7% of the time you can come and be healed! Why do you choose our one holy day to come and do these things?

Of course, it's not true, is it? I mean, Jesus was out healing probably every day, but it's easier to find him on the Sabbath (you know he'll be in a synagogue somewhere), plus if it's a more holy day, then surely God is more likely to great things on it! I'm not saying that's true - only that it's a natural assumption to make. Besides, there never seems to be a lack of sick people wanting to be healed, so you've got to assume that 6 days of healing a week wasn't enough.

vs 15

That is, don't you stop your livestock dying of thirst on the Sabbath?

vs 16

So it's ok to stop a donkey from being thirsty on the Sabbath, but it's a sin to heal a crippled woman on that same Sabbath. The fact of the matter is that these people are hypocrites, and that is far worse than their actual obedience of the Law as they see it. Rather than correct their mistaken beliefs, Jesus picks on the worse problem - hypocrisy.

vs 17

Of course they were, and of course they did! When someone points out you're a hypocrite, especially that you're putting the life of a donkey ahead of the life of a woman, you feel like an idiot. No wonder they wanted to kill him.

And if there's someone who can heal your mum who's been in pain and suffering for 18 years, then you're going to think he's the best.

vs 18

I'm sure you'll find something, Jesus.

vs 19

Remember, the kingdom of God isn't just like a mustard seed. That would be boring as anything. It is like the whole picture. So it's like a seed that grows into a big tree.

Remember, now, that you don't need to go and dissect this parable. What are the branches? What are the leaves? What do the birds of the air represent? Are these the same birds of the air from the parable of the sower?
It's just a tree. What happens when you plant a mustard seed? It becomes a tree. It's little thing becomes big thing. No need for allegory.

vs 20

And again, surely you'll think of something Jesus!

vs 21

Now you will notice that Jesus in other places compares the Pharisees to yeast as well. So in both of these parables, the kingdom of God could be full of evil things - birds of the air and yeast! Oh no!

Obviously they aren't linked. Parables are allowed to exist on their own. The Kingdom of God, again, is like a little thing, this time which affects a whole batch - like yeast in dough. It's like a balloon, and something bad happens! The effects of the kingdom of God existing are like the effects of yeast in dough - it doesn't take much to make the effect, because it is part and parcel of the whole mixture.

vs 22

We're still on this "onward to Jerusalem" run. And Jesus is still teaching all the way.

vs 23

Weird verse numbering. He said to them - look to the next verse!

But it's an interesting question. And it's a question that shows a more individual streak in the thoughts of these perhaps more hellenistic jews. I mean, originally the idea was 'you can trace your blood back to a patriarch, you're in'. But increasingly, even as the Old Testament unfolded, that was seen to be less important. Now, these people want to know how many of the Jews are actually going to make the cut in the end.

vs 24

Jesus makes it plain that the way is narrow, and that it's not easy to get in. He doesn't say "God will see you right", he says "Make every effort". A focus we too easily forget. You've got to want to get in that door enough that you're prepared to listen to what God has to sayabout getting through it.

I mean, everyone wants to walk through the door that says "Heaven" on it. Wanting it isn't enough. You've got to want it enough that you're prepared to know how it opens.

Why is Jacob a member of the patriarchs? Because he wanted the blessing of God so much that he cheated his brother out of it. How much do we really want heaven?