Question 1

What does Jesus mean by “except you repent, you shall all likewise perish”?

Accepted Answer

When people told Jesus about the Galileans Pilate killed and the eighteen crushed by the tower in Siloam, many assumed those victims were worse sinners. Jesus said they were not worse than others. Twice he warns, “Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” He is saying that tragedy is not proof someone is a bigger sinner, but it does remind everyone that judgment is real. Unless people turn from sin to God, there will be a far more serious perishing, beyond just physical death.

Question 2

What is the meaning of the parable of the barren fig tree in the vineyard?

Accepted Answer

In the parable, a man has a fig tree planted in his vineyard. For three years he looks for fruit and finds none, so he tells the gardener to cut it down because it only uses up the soil. The gardener asks for one more year to dig around it and fertilize it. This picture shows God’s right to expect real fruit from those he has placed in a privileged position, and also his patience. Time is given for repentance and growth, but if there is still no fruit, judgment will come.

Question 3

Why did Jesus heal the bent woman on the sabbath and call out the synagogue ruler?

Accepted Answer

Jesus saw a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years and could not straighten herself. He said, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” laid his hands on her, and she was made straight and praised God. When the synagogue ruler complained that healing on the sabbath was wrong, Jesus called him a hypocrite, pointing out that they would untie an ox or donkey and lead it to water on the sabbath. If they cared that much for animals, how much more should this “daughter of Abraham,” whom Satan had bound, be set free on that day?

Question 4

What do the mustard seed and leaven teach about the kingdom of God?

Accepted Answer

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree where birds can rest, and to leaven that a woman hides in a large amount of flour until all of it is leavened. These short pictures show that God’s rule often starts very small and unnoticed, but it keeps growing until it has a wide, visible effect. From a small beginning in a few people, God’s work spreads and changes many lives, even when it is working quietly in the background.

Question 5

What does it mean to strive to enter in at the strait gate?

Accepted Answer

When someone asks if only a few will be saved, Jesus does not give numbers. Instead he says, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate,” and warns that many will try to enter and not be able. He is teaching that salvation is not about casual interest or just being near religious things. The narrow door points to a real, personal response to him that may go against the crowd. It calls for earnest seeking, repentance, and faith now, before the door is shut and the chance is gone.

Question 6

Why are some people shut out even though they ate and drank with Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Jesus pictures a time when the master of the house shuts the door. People outside knock and say, “We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” But he replies that he does not know where they come from and calls them workers of iniquity. This shows that being around Jesus’ teaching, or being part of a religious crowd, is not enough. What matters is a real relationship shown in a changed life. Those who refuse to turn from sin will find themselves outside, even if they once felt close to holy things.

Question 7

What does Jesus mean by people coming from east and west to sit in the kingdom of God?

Accepted Answer

After warning that some who thought they were first will be shut out, Jesus says many will come from east, west, north, and south and sit down in the kingdom of God. He is pointing to people coming from all over the world to share in God’s salvation, while some of those who had the first privileges reject it. Those who were “last” in earthly status or religious privilege may be received, and those who were “first” may be left out if they refuse to repent and believe.

Question 8

Why does Jesus call Herod a fox and still keep going toward Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him and urge him to leave. Jesus replies, “Go and tell that fox,” and says he will keep casting out demons and healing today and tomorrow, and on the third day he will be perfected. He also says a prophet cannot perish outside Jerusalem. Calling Herod a fox shows Herod’s crafty and destructive character. Yet Jesus is not driven by Herod’s threats. He stays fixed on finishing the work given to him, even though he knows rejection and death wait in Jerusalem.

Question 9

What does Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem teach about God’s heart?

Accepted Answer

Jesus cries out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets and stones those sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!” He shows deep sorrow over the city’s long history of rejecting God’s messengers. The picture of a hen gathering her chicks speaks of tender care and protection. God was willing to gather and shelter them, but they refused. Their house is left desolate, yet there is still a hint of hope when he speaks of a future time when they will bless the one who comes in the Lord’s name.

Luke 13:1

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

A Call to Repentance

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Jesus Heals a Disabled Woman

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The Parable of the Leaven

The Narrow Door

Lament over Jerusalem

A Call to Repentance

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Luke 13:1

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

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A Call to Repentance

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Jesus Heals a Disabled Woman

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The Parable of the Leaven

The Narrow Door

Lament over Jerusalem

A Call to Repentance

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