Luke Chapter 13

At some point humanity created a theory that all good people will go to heaven and the bad people will go to hell. When we examine the Word of God, we find that’s not quite accurate. Jesus told us that “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” This is what Paul also taught us in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

That’s a whole lot different than what most people think. It is a sobering truth to learn that all people are destined to spend an eternity in hell – unless they repent. The word repent has two meanings. We repent of all of our sins and put our trust in the redemptive blood of Jesus who died in our place, taking the punishment for all of our sins. And to repent also indicates an ongoing practice of asking God to forgive us when we sin. Our only hope of forgiveness for all of our sins is the perfect sacrifice that was made on our behalf on the cross of Calvary.

Let's Reflect

1. Jesus made it clear that the sins of a person are no worse than the sins of another person, but that we are all damned to death because of our sin. The Romans forced the Jewish people to give monies from the temple for Pilate’s projects. History tells us that they attacked Jews with daggers to put fear in the heart of the people and to get what they wanted. Jesus said that just because these Jews died at the hands of the Romans, it didn’t mean that they were terrible sinners. What other example of people dying did Jesus mention where He explained that those who died were no worse sinners than others?

2. When you read the parable of the fig tree, the caretaker exemplified patience. Who in your life has great patience waiting for you to give yourself fully to Him?

3. Why were the Pharisees upset with Jesus for healing the woman who was bent over?

4. In verses 18-20 Jesus described how that the kingdom of God would grow. He knew that when He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, that the disciples would continue the work of bringing the gospel to the people. This in turn causes the kingdom of God to grow. What two things did Jesus use as examples to explain kingdom growth?

5. Why are some people not permitted to enter heaven? What is the reason Jesus would tell people to depart? Also refer back to verses 3 and 5.

6. Jesus said that in heaven we will recline at a table and there in the places of honor will be people who on earth were in what positions?

7. Herod was an example of one who is first but would be last. While he had power and authority on earth it would not last for long. Jesus was not afraid of Herod. He would continue His ministry. But Jesus had a deep love for Jerusalem despite the fact that Jerusalem did what to the prophets and to Jesus?

8. When Jesus comes again, His second coming, all of the Jewish people will be ready to repent of their sins and they will say to the Messiah what words?