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Luke 13

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

What does Luke 13:24 mean?

Explanation

Luke 13:24 contains a command from Jesus to "strive to enter in at the strait gate," warning that many will seek to enter but will not be able to.

The term "strait gate" represents the path to salvation and eternal life, which, according to the teaching of Jesus, requires earnest effort and commitment.

The idea of the gate being "strait" (narrow) suggests that the path is restrictive and not everyone will choose it, as it may require difficult choices or sacrifices.

The additional phrase that many will seek to enter but not be able to indicates that simply desiring to be saved or to be part of the Kingdom of God is not sufficient; a genuine and purposeful effort to live according to God's will is necessary.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, likely written in the latter part of the first century.

At the time, Jesus was speaking to a predominantly Jewish audience that held varying expectations of the Messiah and the coming of God's Kingdom.

They often thought of salvation in national or ethnic terms.

Jesus challenged these notions, insisting that entry into the Kingdom of God was contingent on personal repentance and faith rather than lineage or ritual compliance.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has been interpreted in different ways.

Some see it as a call to perseverance and diligence in one's faith journey.

Others focus on the exclusivity it implies , that despite a universal offer of salvation, not all will be saved because they fail to meet the requirements set by Jesus.

A more Calvinistic interpretation would consider the verse as further evidence of the doctrine of predestination, suggesting that it is indeed difficult to enter the Kingdom because it is ultimately God who decides who will be saved.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can motivate individuals to self-reflection and a more earnest approach to their spiritual life.

It encourages believers not to be complacent but to actively and continually strive to align their lives with Christian principles.

This could involve regular prayer, studying scripture, participating in a faith community, and exhibiting compassion and justice in daily actions.

Cross-References

Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:"
Matthew 22:14: "For many are called, but few are chosen."
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Hebrews 12:14: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"

Language Study

In the Greek text, the term translated as "strive" is "ἀγωνίζεσθε" (agonizesthe), which means to struggle or fight earnestly, much like an athlete competes in a contest. This imagery emphasizes the need for active and determined effort.

The word for "strait" is "στενή" (stenē), meaning narrow or restricted, signifying that the path to salvation is not the easiest or most comfortable one, but it is specific and defined.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a challenging path towards spiritual or divine favor is not unique to Christianity.

In Hinduism, for example, the path of yoga is often described as difficult and requiring discipline.

Buddhism teaches about the Noble Eightfold Path as a means to enlightenment, which is also demanding in its expectation of personal transformation and ethical conduct.

Ancient myths often feature heroes who must endure difficult journeys or trials to achieve their goals, reflecting a broader human recognition of the value of struggle and perseverance in achieving something of great worth.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific interpretation for this verse, as science generally does not deal with metaphysical claims about salvation or spiritual gateways.

However, psychology may contribute to understanding why humans value the idea of striving for a goal such as entering the "strait gate." Psychological theories on motivation and behavior could suggest that beliefs about the importance of effort and dedication serve to align people's behavior with socially and personally desired outcomes.

Commentaries

Commentators have various perspectives on Luke 13:24.

One common view is that it serves as a warning against complacency and false assurance.

John Calvin, a prominent Reformation theologian, suggested that this verse warns against the presumption of salvation and emphasizes the need for ongoing spiritual vigilance.

Matthew Henry, a more recent biblical commentator, saw it as advice to take heed of time and opportunity and to strive as in a race for eternal life.

Most commentators agree that the verse calls for sincere and continued effort in the Christian faith, recognizing that there is a marked distinction between genuinely following Christ and merely professing belief.

Luke 13

Luke 13

What does Luke 13:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 13:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?