Podcasts about Luke 13

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Today's reading is Luke 13-15. . . . . Join us as we go through ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels: A Guided Journal⁠⁠ through the month of April! . . . . This month, we will be reading from the ⁠⁠New Living Translation. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . . . . Your ratings and reviews help us spread the Gospel to new friends! If you love this podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You can do the same on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as well.

Thescene opens with Pharisees approaching Jesus: “Get out and depart from here,for Herod will kill you” (v. 31). They're likely scheming, hoping to scareHim from Perea, which was Herod Antipas' territory, back to Judea, where theSanhedrin could trap Him. Herod, who beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 9:7-9),was curious about Jesus' miracles but now threatens His life, perhaps fearingHis influence. The Pharisees' warning may carry truth, yet their motives aresuspect, cloaked in false concern. Jesus, unfazed, and with courage, replies, “Goand tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today andtomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected'” (v. 32). CallingHerod a “fox”, indicating that he was sly and despised, Jesus uses sharpsarcasm, not disrespect, fitting His prophetic role (Nehemiah 4:3). Jesus is novictim of Herod's schemes because He knows that He is following a divinetimetable (John 2:4; Acts 2:23). Nothing, not even Herod's threats, can derailGod's plan for His death at Passover in Jerusalem, decreed before time (1 Peter1:20). “Today and tomorrow” mean He'll continue His work, freeing theoppressed, healing the sick, until the “third day,” hinting at His death and resurrection,when His mission is “finished” (John 19:30). No earthly power, neither Herodnor Pharisees, can stop Him. And it will not stop us if we know God's plan andpurpose for our lives! ThenJesus declares, “Nevertheless I must walk today, tomorrow, and the dayfollowing, for it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem” (v.33). With biting irony, He notes Jerusalem's grim history as the place whereprophets die, judged by the Sanhedrin as false (Luke 11:47-51; Acts 13:27). “Itcannot be”, in other words, “it's not fitting”, for Him to die elsewhere.This isn't resignation; it's resolve to face His destiny, exposing the city'sguilt in rejecting God's messengers. Jesustone now shifts to anguish revealing His compassion: “O Jerusalem,Jerusalem, which kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often Iwanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under herwings, but you were not willing!” (v. 34). This lament, repeated later(Matthew 23:37), pulses with love, not anger. Like a hen shielding chicks fromdanger (Psalm 91:4), Jesus longed to protect Israel—His “house,” both thenation and temple. He knew its history, from Melchizedek to the Maccabees, yetsaw its rebellion. Despite countless chances to repent, they refused, leavingtheir house “desolate” (v. 35). The temple, their idol, would burn in AD 70,the people scattered, with no king or priest (Hosea 3:4). Yet,Jesus gives them hope: “You shall not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is Hewho comes in the name of the Lord'” (v. 35; Psalm 118:26). , This points to His return, whenIsrael will mourn, then embrace Him (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:1). Jesusdoesn't forsake them; a future awaits in His coming Millennium reign whenthey'll sing His praise.Jesus' courage should challenge our fears. Hefaced Herod's threats, unmoved, because He trusted God's plan. Are we as bold,or do we shrink from opposition? His lament reveals God's compassionate heartwhich is patient, yearning to gather us, yet grieved by refusal. Israel's “youwere not willing” warns us: privilege doesn't save; only surrender does.The Pharisees hid behind their deceit, and Jerusalem clung to tradition. Today,we might dodge God's call with excuses or delay. But the door of grace won'tstay open forever, because now is the time to respond (Hebrews 4:7). ClosingChallengeTodaydo you hear the calls of Jesus? Are you resisting Jesus' call like Jerusalem,or trusting His timing like He did? This week, face one fear or excuse holdingyou back. Maybe sharing your faith or letting go of control. Step forwardboldly, praying for a heart soft to His gathering wings. Don't say “I wouldnot”, but today say yes.

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Today, in Luke 13:22-30, we will hear Jesusgive us a call to the urgency of salvation.  AsJesus is teaching, someone, perhaps curious, skeptical, or admiring, asks aboutthe number that will be saved. The scribes often debated this, but Jesusreframes it: “Don't ask how many; ask if you will be one.” He says, “Striveto enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enterand will not be able” (v. 24). “Strive” here is athletic—agonize, like anOlympian racing for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:25). Salvation is free, but it'snot easy. The gate is narrow, demanding a changed heart, a new birth, and adisciplined life (Luke 9:23; Matthew 7:13-14). Most prefer the wide, easy roadto destruction. Thencomes a sobering picture: “When once the Master of the house has risen upand shut the door, you begin to knock, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,' andHe will say, ‘I do not know you, where you are from'” (v. 25). Theyprotest, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets”(v. 26), but He replies, “Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity”(v. 27). These are Jews of Jesus' day, privileged with His presence, eatingwith Him, hearing His words, yet uncommitted. They delayed, trusting theirheritage as “children of Abraham” or their proximity to Jesus. God was patient,but the door shut, picturing Israel's rejection and the Roman judgment of AD70. It's personal too: familiarity with Christ isn't faith. Many seek too late,when mercy's door closes. Theconsequence stings: “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when yousee Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, andyourselves thrust out” (v. 28). Imagine the shock of hearing about the patriarchsand prophets feasting, while they're excluded, and gnashing their teeth inregret over wasted chances (Psalm 112:10). Pride blinded them; they thoughtthey were first, but Gentiles, the “unclean dogs” from east, west, north, andsouth come and take their place (v. 29). “The last will be first, and thefirst will be last” (v. 30). God's kingdom flips human rankings. The Jews'religious tradition couldn't save them; it takes more than reverence for thepast (Isaiah 64:4; Titus 1:16). Whydid they miss it? For the same reason we miss it!  A false sense of security, Jesus was amongthem, yet they didn't trust Him (Luke 10:13-16). Pride kept them from humblingthemselves. Worst, their wills resisted: “Ye would not” (Luke 13:34).Delay hardened their hearts, a warning echoed in Hebrews 4:7: “Today, if youhear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Salvation demands effort, notto earn it, but to overcome sin, Satan, and self through repentance and faith. Forus, this is a wake-up call. The question isn't “How many?” but “Am I striving?”Many seek casually, liking holiness but not pursuing it, banking on religious churchties or past moments with God. Jesus knows His own; the rest He discards as“workers of iniquity,” despite their pleas. Yet, hope shines: people from allcorners of the earth will come, striving against obstacles, and will feast withthe saints. Salvation's door is open now! “And you will seek me and find mewhen you have searched for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). ClosingChallengeAreyou striving or coasting? This week, pinpoint one obstacle to your faith—pride,delay, or complacency. Take a deliberate step through the narrow gate: confessa sin, pray earnestly, or share Christ with someone. Don't wait until the doorshuts—agonize for salvation today. PrayerLordJesus, thank You for the narrow gate of grace, open now but not forever.Forgive us for trusting in privilege or procrastination instead of You. Stir usto strive—wrestling sin, seeking You with all we have. Help us enter beforeit's too late, and may we rejoice with the saints from every corner. Amen.

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These parables are oftentaken out of context and misinterpreted, but they have much to teach us aboutGod's work, Satan's schemes, and our call to discernment.  First, Jesus asks, “Whatis the kingdom of God like? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a mantook and planted in his garden; and it grew and became a great tree, and thebirds of the air lodged in its branches” (Luke 13:18-19). On the surface,this sounds like success—a tiny seed sprouting into a towering tree. Butsomething's off. Mustard seeds grow into shrubs, not trees. This abnormalgrowth hints at distortion. The Jews knew their Scriptures: a mighty tree oftensymbolized a world power (Ezekiel 17:22-24; Daniel 4:20-22), and birds, as inthe parable of the sower (Luke 8:5, 12), represent evil—Satan and his forces(Matthew 13:19). Jesus isn't picturing triumph here, but a kingdom infiltratedby falsehood. Then He says, “Towhat shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman tookand hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened” (Luke13:20-21). Leaven, in Scripture, consistently symbolizes evil (Exodus 12:14-20;Luke 12:1).  Think of the Pharisees'hypocrisy or Herod's corruption (Matthew 16:12; Mark 8:15). A woman hidingleaven in meal suggests stealthy contamination, not godly influence. Theseparables, echoing Matthew 13, don't show the kingdom conquering the world.Instead, they warn of Satan's two-pronged attack: abnormality (the oversizedtree) and adulteration (the hidden leaven). For context, Jesusspoke amid opposition. The synagogue ruler had just fumed over a Sabbathhealing, clinging to dead traditions. These parables counter that mindset:“Your rules won't stop God's kingdom, but Satan will distort it.” Historically,Israel rejected Christ, and during this church age, God's program facesfailure—not in its ultimate victory, but in its present form. The mustard seedreflects “Christendom”—the visible, professing church—growing unnaturallylarge, like after Constantine, when the “Organized Church” became a politicalpower, not a humble “little flock” (Luke 12:32). Like birds, the false teachersnest in its branches.  The leaven showscorruption creeping in: Pharisees with empty rituals, Sadducees denying thesupernatural, Herodians bowing to Rome. Today the church battles similardistortions, such as legalism, skepticism, and compromise. Jesus isn'tcontradicting Himself here. He'd already called leaven evil (Luke 12:1). Nor dothese parables promise global permeation; population growth outpaced by truefaith. The kingdom's seed often falls on barren soil, Satan sows counterfeits,and the net catches good and bad fish (Matthew 13). Yet, there's hope: God'strue kingdom endures, despite the mess. These stories challenge the crowd, andus, to look beyond appearances. The religious leaders saw only theirtraditions; Jesus saw Satan's schemes and God's bigger plan. What does this mean forus? We're in a mixed age where truth and falsehood grow together. We mustdiscern the real kingdom from its counterfeits, not confusing size or influencewith godliness. Satan attacks with abnormality (prideful bigness) andadulteration (subtle lies). Our job isn't to fix the whole tree or the meal butto be faithful, bearing true fruit in a crooked world, trusting God for thefinal harvest. Closing ChallengeThis week, examine yourfaith: Are you swayed by the “big tree” of flashy religion or the “leaven” ofwatered-down truth? Pick one area of your life, maybe a belief, habit, orinfluence, and test it against Scripture. Root out any distortion and commit toauthentic, humble faith. Be a seed of truth in a tangled world. PrayerLord Jesus, thank Youfor revealing the kingdom's reality of growth amid corruption. Open our eyes toSatan's schemes and keep us from false traditions or lies. Help us bear truefruit, faithful to You, not the world's show. Strengthen us to stand firm untilYour victory comes. Amen. 

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions: So often I hear Christians make comments on some major headline and put their own perspective or even give a Biblical interpretation about the event. I read the scripture today and realized that is nothing new. I have heard some people who claimed that this story did not take into account how fig trees produce fruit. Some people have said that a fig tree was not expected to produce a crop until the third year. So in the story, the owner of the vineyard was being unreasonable. Is that accurate? How do we strike a balance between warning people about fruit bearing and encouraging people about fruit bearing? Was there ever a season of sterility in your Christian walk? How did God bring you out of that? The reading for the day is: Deuteronomy 33:1-29 Luke 13:1-21 Psalm 78:65-72 Proverbs 12:25

As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem, He enters a synagogue in Perea,teaching on the Sabbath as was His custom. There, He encounters a womancrippled for eighteen years, bent double by a spirit of infirmity. This momentbecomes more than a healing, it's a lesson in freedom, compassion, and theclash between God's heart and human tradition.  Youcan imagine the scene. Jesus is preaching when He notices this woman, bowedover, unable to straighten herself. For eighteen years, she'd endured thisaffliction—likely caused by Satan, as Jesus later reveals. Yet, she's faithful,present in the synagogue week after week, seeking God despite her pain. Jesus,ever sensitive to need, calls her forward. It might have seemed harsh to exposeher publicly, but He has a purpose—to defeat Satan, free her, and teach atruth. With a word, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” and atouch of His hands, she stands straight, glorifying God. The synagogue eruptsin awe, except for one voice. Theruler of the synagogue, indignant, scolds the crowd: “There are six days towork; come and be healed then, not on the Sabbath!” Too cowardly toconfront Jesus directly, he masks his anger in tradition. His outburst isalmost laughable, did he think healings were routine? Could he have freed herhimself? His bondage to rules was worse than hers to Satan; her body was bent,but his heart and mind were shackled. Jesus calls him out: “You hypocrite!Don't you loose your ox or donkey on the Sabbath to water it? Shouldn't thiswoman, a daughter of Abraham, bound by Satan for eighteen years, be loosed onthis day?” The argument is simple yet profound: if mercy is shown toanimals, how much more to a person made in God's image? Thiswasn't random timing. Jesus chose the Sabbath deliberately, repeating “loose”to drive home the lesson—freedom is His gift, not tradition's prisoner. Thewoman, a “daughter of Abraham,” likely had faith, marking her as one ofGod's own. Her healing wasn't just physical; it mirrored spiritual liberation.Sin, sorrow, and suffering bow us down (Psalm 38:6; 42:5), but Christ lifts usup. Satan oppresses, sometimes for years, even believers (think of Paul's thornin 2 Corinthians 12), but Jesus' power is greater (John 10:10). Not everysickness is demonic (Luke 6:17-19), but when it is, Jesus can break itinstantly. Theruler's reaction reveals a deeper issue. He saw the Sabbath as a checklist, nota gift of rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Tradition became his excuse to avoidcompassion. Jesus exposes this hypocrisy, shaming His critics into silencewhile the crowd rejoices at His “glorious things.” The synagogue ruler'spetty clock told yesterday's time, blind to the new era Jesus brought (Luke12:56). This was no violation; it was God's work, fitting for the Sabbath. Whatdoes this mean for us today? Jesus still calls the bowed-down—those crippled bysin or grief—to come to Him. He offers freedom, not just from physical chainsbut from spiritual ones, often before we even ask. Yet, like the ruler, we cancling to rules or routines that block mercy. The Sabbath here isn't aboutlegalism but heart-rest through grace. When we see suffering, do we respondwith Christ's compassion or hide behind excuses? His adversaries were ashamed;His followers rejoiced. Which side are we on? ClosingChallengeThisweek, look for someone “bowed down”—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.Don't let tradition or busyness stop you; take one step to “loose” them withkindness—a call, a helping hand, or a prayer. Reflect: Are you free in Christ,or bound by your own rules? Act in His mercy today. PrayerLordJesus, thank You for seeing us in our infirmities and calling us to freedom.Forgive us when we prioritize tradition over compassion, like the synagogueruler. Loose us from sin, sorrow, and self-made chains, and help us lift othersas You do. May we rejoice in Your glorious works, living out Your grace thisweek. In Your name, Amen.

Jesusbegins, “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he cameseeking fruit on it, and found none. Then he said to the vinedresser, ‘Behold,these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none. Cut itdown; why does it cumber the ground?'” In Jewish law (Leviticus19:23-25), a new tree's fruit wasn't eaten for three years, the fourth year'scrop went to God, and the owner enjoyed it from the fifth year on. This ownerhad waited seven years—far beyond the norm—yet the tree remained barren.Frustrated, he orders it cut down, tired of it wasting good soil. Butthe story doesn't end there. The vinedresser intercedes: “Lord, let it alonethis year also, till I shall dig about it and dung it. And if it bears fruit,well; and if not, then after that you shall cut it down”. Theparable stops abruptly, leaving us to ponder the outcome. Did the tree bearfruit? Was it spared or chopped down? Jesus leaves it open-ended, shifting thefocus from the tree's fate to ours. Thisparable speaks on two levels: to the nation of Israel and to us as individuals.For Israel, the fig tree was a symbol (Isaiah 5:1-7; Matthew 21:18-20). God,the owner, had lavished it with unique blessings—covenants, commandments,patriarchs, prophets, and priests (Romans 9:1-5). Unlike Gentile nations leftto fend for themselves, Israel was planted in fertile soil to bless the world.Jesus, the vinedresser, spent three years of ministry crossing the land,teaching with unmatched wisdom and working miracles like no one else. Yet, thenation remained barren, rejecting Him in unbelief. “Why does it cumber theground?” it was asked—Israel wasn't just fruitless; it spoiled the soil byfailing its calling. Still,God's patience shines through. The vinedresser pleads for one more year—moretime to dig, fertilize, and nurture. This mirrors the forty years after Jesus'ministry when the early church, starting with a Jewish remnant at Pentecost,preached the gospel powerfully to the nation. But rejection persisted. By AD70, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple—the tree was cut down. God'sgrace had limits; judgment came when the borrowed time ran out. Ona personal level, this parable is a mirror. God is gracious and long-suffering(2 Peter 3:9), doing more than enough to draw us to repentance and fruitfulness(Matthew 3:7-10). He has every right to cut us down for our barrenness, yet inmercy, He spares us. The three years might reflect Jesus' ministry in ourlives—His presence, teaching, and Spirit working to produce fruit like love,faith, and obedience. The extra year is His ongoing patience, giving us time torespond. But we can't presume on His kindness forever—judgment will come (James5:9). Theopen ending is intentional. Like the Book of Jonah, it forces us to finish thestory with our own lives. The question isn't “What happened to the tree?” but“What will happen to me?” God seeks fruit—real, tangible evidence of a changedlife. He won't accept substitutes like excuses or good intentions. When we hearof tragedies claiming lives, we should ask, “Am I just taking up space, or am Ibearing fruit for God's glory?” The time to repent and grow is now—“Now is theday of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). ClosingChallengeReflecton your own “fig tree” this week. Where is God seeking fruit in yourlife—perhaps in your relationships, service, or devotion? Identify one barrenarea and take a step to nurture it—pray for strength, serve someone, or rootout a sin. Don't let this extra year pass fruitlessly; respond to His patiencewith action today. PrayerHeavenlyFather, thank You for Your patience, sparing us when we deserve judgment. Likethe vinedresser, You tend us with grace, seeking fruit. Forgive our barrennessand stir us to repent and grow. Help us bear fruit that glorifies You—love,faith, and obedience. Give us urgency to act now, trusting Your mercy won'tlast forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Jesus is nearing Jerusalem when some in the crowd bring up agruesome tragedy—Galileans slaughtered by Pontius Pilate, their blood mingledwith their sacrifices. Pilate, a harsh Roman governor, was notorious forclashing with the Jews. He brought Roman ensigns into the Holy City, seizedtemple funds for an aqueduct, and quelled protests with violence. Thisatrocity, possibly during a feast when nationalism surged, saw soldiers strikedown unarmed Galileans at the altar—a shocking sacrilege. The crowd, especiallythe Pharisees and Judeans, assumed these Galileans were worse sinners,deserving such a fate. They expected Jesus to agree. Instead,Jesus replies, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than allother Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unlessyou repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2-3). Then He brings itcloser to home: “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killedthem, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt inJerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”(Luke 13:4-5). The Siloam tower collapse—workers killed on Pilate's aqueductproject—stung the Judeans. They'd judged those victims too, thinking they gotwhat they deserved for working with Pilate. Jesusflips the script. He doesn't defend Pilate or the Galileans, nor does He diveinto political debates. He lifts the issue higher: tragedy isn't always divinepunishment. The Galileans weren't worse sinners; the Siloam workers weren'tuniquely guilty. Suffering doesn't always mark God's wrath—Job's friendsmisjudged that, and so did the crowd. Even Jesus, sinless, suffered. If everydisaster signaled sin, how would we explain the trials of prophets, apostles,or Christ Himself? Jesus debunks their logic, then drives deeper: all aresinners, and all face judgment unless they repent. The real question isn't “Whydid they die?” but “Why are you still alive?” Thisurgency echoes through Scripture. Jesus' first message was “Repent, for thekingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). His last, to the church inLaodicea, was “Be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Paul preached “repentancetoward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). The Greekword for repentance, metanoia, means a change of mind and heart—a turning fromsin to God. It's not just confessing; it's forsaking sin and trusting Jesus.The Bible calls for repentance 969 times—it hasn't dropped out of God's vocabulary,even if it's faded from ours. TheGalileans' fate and Siloam's collapse foreshadowed a greater judgment—likeJerusalem's fall to Rome in AD 70. Jesus' warning was clear: repent now, orperish. Today, we're tempted to judge others' misfortunes—“They had itcoming”—while dodging our own guilt. But Jesus cuts through: “Unless yourepent.” We're all in the same boat—one death per person. “Now is the day ofsalvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). As Jesus neared the cross, He urged thecrowd—and us—to wake up, stop pointing fingers, and turn to Him. He didn'tpromise a life free of towers or tyrants, but a way to stand forgiven beforeGod. ClosingChallengeHaveyou truly repented—changed your mind about sin, owning your guilt before God?This week, pick one area needing a turn—maybe a hidden sin, a bitter attitude,or a neglected faith. Confess it, turn from it, and trust Jesus to transformyou. Don't delay; the time to repent is now. PrayerLordJesus, thank You for Your urgent call to repentance, preached from Your firstwords to Your last. Forgive us for judging others instead of facing our ownsin. Stir our hearts with metanoia—a true change toward You. Help us turn fromsin, place our faith in You, and live as Your children. Give us courage to acttoday, trusting Your mercy. Bless us as we follow You to the cross and beyond.Amen.

In his teachings on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus announced the great reversals that the kingdom of God produces among the first and the last, and the exalted and the humbled.

Having experienced a pivotal point in his ministry and with his disciples, Jesus continues to color outside the lines of tradition. But while He incurs the disdain from the political and spiritual leaders, Jesus is reaching people with God's truth and the reality of eternal separation from Him if they do not repent and believe… hanging out together is not enough. Jesus is keenly aware of those who would revel in His death, but the path set out for him will not be altered.

Sunday, April 6, 2025"Kingdom Stories: A Kingdom Story of Surprises" - Tyler TankersleySermon based on Luke 13:10-21(reading by Lisa Lowther)

04/06/2025 - Chad Lewis

Deuteronomy - Clean and Unclean Animals, The Sabbatical Year.Luke - Call to Repent, Healing on the Sabbath, Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven, Teaching in the Villages.

A fruitless dead tree is usually cut down. It takes up space, wastes  nutriments, and often does not look good. Jesus tells a surprising parable. Listen and be encouraged. Copyright, Dave Andrus 2025

Luke 13-17

by Rev. Russell Rathbun Scripture Reading: Luke 13:31-35

by Sonja Olson Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1-9

Luke: The Action | Jesus Upends Assumptions | Luke 13:1-9 Sermon from March 30, 2025 – Deron Spoo, Pastor Part 13 of 18 of the series The Action

Jesus combined a warning of judgment with a demonstration of the liberating power of the kingdom of God.

The Rev’d Dr. Cn. Donald Shepson III, Campus Missioner

The Rev’d Ethan Magness, Rector

Teaching from March 23, 2025 by Doug Moister

Are you thriving in the life God designed for you?Join Susie and me as we take a deep dive into Luke 13:19b, exploring the profound connection between spiritual nourishment and personal growth.Luke 13:19b (NIV)“It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”https://livesteadyon.com/To connect with Susie:https://susiecrosby.com/Facebook: @‌susiecrosbyauthorInstagram: @‌susiecrosbySusie's devotionals, “Lighthearted” and “Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In” are available on Amazon.https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Friedrich Büchsel, “Γίνομαι, Γένεσις, Γένος, Γένημα, Ἀπογίνομαι, Παλιγγενεσία,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 686.John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 240–241.I. Howard Marshall, “Luke,”.+~These+two+parables+a "‌") in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1003.A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1635.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Luke 13:1-9Some people told Jesus about the Galileanswhose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.Jesus said to them in reply,“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this waythey were greater sinners than all other Galileans?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!Or those eighteen people who were killedwhen the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guiltythan everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!”And he told them this parable:“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,he said to the gardener,‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig treebut have found none.So cut it down.Why should it exhaust the soil?'He said to him in reply,‘Sir, leave it for this year also,and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;it may bear fruit in the future.If not you can cut it down.'”

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 13 Jesus uses two tragic stories of death to present His universal point: unless you repent of your sins, you too will likewise perish. Jesus tells a parable of a fig tree that would only remain if it began to bear fruit. Repentance is a turn from fruitlessness to bring about produce for the Lord. Shortly after, Jesus heals a woman, and the Pharisees complain because He did so on the Sabbath. They still are not ready to repent and turn to Him. But their attacks would not stop Christ's kingdom. It would start small and grow like a mustard seed or like leaven in flour. As Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the last time, He notes that few will be saved in His kingdom, though He desires to save everyone.  To repent is to be sorrowful for sin, to turn away from sin, and to run to God in trust and obedience. This is a fundamental attribute of kingdom citizens. God does not demand perfection, but His mercy is tied to our repentance. The kingdom, which started small, has grown all over the world as people turn from pride and self-reliance and to live for God. So many will be lost in the final judgment, living for themselves, and failing to prepare. But we must keep humble hearts until the end. Jesus faced death courageously because He believed in sharing the kingdom's message. We must praise Him for His sacrifice and share His message of repentance with all who will listen.  Loving Father, thank You for revealing Your plan to save us in the kingdom of Your beloved Son. Help us to see what is required of us in that plan: to believe and repent of our sins and live obedient lives. Give us the wisdom to do this faithfully. Show us how to live this faith sincerely, always ready for Your Son's return, and direct us to not be distracted with arguments and bitterness, as seen with the Pharisees. Eternal death awaits those who are unprepared. Keep us among Your people and help us reconcile others to You.    -       What does repentance look like in your life? Is it found in your prayers? Does it often produce change that is seen by others? -       The kingdom grew as the Pharisee's influence diminished. Why is that? Why will genuine love and faith always prevail over hypocrisy? -       Jesus wanted to save everyone but had to pronounce righteous judgment. Is there a time when we must do so with others for their good?

Send us a text****Read the New Testament in a Year with me in 2025 right here on the podcast!***Bible Verses of the Week: Matthew 5:23-24Welcome to the podcast Move Forth With Grace!  We will be reading the New Testament in a year.  This is such a perfect way to get into God's Word each day and to develop your own relationship with God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. I am your host Angela and want to first of all say that I am not an expert in Theology or Church History or a Minister and I never will claim to be.  I am a  wife and mother who has been reborn and want to be of service to God in gratitude for calling me back home. Welcome to the Podcast! The Bible that I will be reading from is the English Standard Version Study Bible.  You can find one at www.crossway.org.Thank you for being here....thank you for becoming less like you and more like Jesus.May you Move Forth with Grace today!Love, Angela One of the most important things that we can be doing is teaching our children about the Bible and helping them to develop a Biblical Worldview.  The way that we are doing this in our family is by using My Father's World Curriculum in our homeschool.  For more information on that, please go to https://www.mfwbooks.comTo learn more about my story and the products that I love to use daily, please go to my website:www.move-forth.comThe Holy Roast Coffee  Pro Life Blend: https://theholyroastco.com/products/pro-life-blendPlease donate today to save unborn souls!https://preborn.comI am reading the ESV Study Bible in 2025: Get your copy today if you would like to read along...this is not required of coursehttps://www.crossway.org/bibles/Connect with me on social media or send a prayer request to me on my website here:https://campsite.bio/moveforthBible Teachers that I recommend:Mike Winger on https://biblethinker.org/meet-mike/Dr. Chuck Missler on www.khouse.orgNancy Missler on www.kingshighway.orgDale Partridge on www.relearn.orgChuck Smith on http://www.pastorchuck.org/RC Sproul Eschatology Playlist:https://youtu.be/n22MRa0P6_I?si=Aw53nQLSteu6T3-ASupport the show

By Pastor Dan Nash

The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 13, in which Jesus tells the people to repent, using a parable of a fruitless fig tree. There is still time; turn to the one who can save you: Jesus Christ.

The Beautiful Empty: Lent 2025 March 9 – April 13 Blaise Pascal once spoke of the “God-shaped vacuum” in the heart of every person that can only be filled by God. Yet we spend so much of our lives trying to fill that vacuum with everything but God. When we feel worthless, we seek validation from our work. When we suffer from loneliness, we turn to relationships to save us. When we experience boredom, we binge on entertainment. When we feel overwhelmed or self-conscious, we reach for altered states.   The God-shaped hole only grows deeper and wider as we fill it with the things that do not satisfy. But the season of Lent invites us to let go of our attachments and dependencies, emptying ourselves of all our cheap substitutes for God, so we can finally see ourselves for who we really are—needy, imperfect, unfinished, still-becoming people in need of a tender, patient, gracious God. It's only by experiencing our emptiness that the God-shaped hole can finally be filled, healed, and blessed by that which truly satisfies.

March 23, 2025 - Eric Barton - Luke 13:18-21 “Power” by Bethel Downtown

This week, our Director of Discipleship and Care, Brian Fu, continues our Lent Journey with Jesus by challenging us to understand repentance and resistance as a turning our face to God and to one another. 

Lead Pastor Kris McDaniel preaches from Luke.Learn more at atltrinity.org.

In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. For three years, he came looking for fruit, but found none. Frustrated, he told the gardener to cut it down, questioning why it was taking up space without producing anything. But the gardener responded, asking for one more year. He would tend to the tree by digging around it and adding manure, hoping it would bear fruit. If it did, great; if not, then it could be removed. This story invites us to reflect on patience and second chances. The gardener's plea for more time symbolizes God's patience with us, even when we don't live up to expectations. It's a reminder that growth and transformation are processes, and we are given opportunities to change and bear fruit in our lives. It challenges us to consider how we might need nurturing or a fresh start, and to trust that, with care, we can become what we are meant to be.

Some people told Jesus about the Galileanswhose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.Jesus said to them in reply,“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this waythey were greater sinners than all other Galileans?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!Or those eighteen people who were killedwhen the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guiltythan everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!”And he told them this parable:“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,he said to the gardener,‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig treebut have found none.So cut it down.Why should it exhaust the soil?'He said to him in reply,‘Sir, leave it for this year also,and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;it may bear fruit in the future.If not you can cut it down.'”

Luke 13 : 1 - 9, Repent, Nills Peterson by Arbor Dale Church

Sermon - Luke 13:1-9 - True Comfort by Community Lutheran Church

c4_03_23_25_#134_Luke 13:1-9_Process and Outcome{ILS} NY Yankees Owner - George Steinbrenner owners in every sport that do not care about winning - profit or prestige Cared deeply about his organization & wanted OUTCOMES - 23 Years and 20 Managers {SCR} Luke 13:1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” {MPT} Outcomes - Governors and Crowds Political officials that were violent and deranged Jesus' followers/onlookers - as a man of God, what do you think?…of the governor that murdered and then 5X mocked?Why…   …would Pilate do it?    …God allow it? Question with a question, shifting away from outcomes Future story - to illustrate how quickly violence can get out of hand. The #1 job of the Roman governor is to remain governor Calm or Intimidate or Manipulate the crowd In this photo, Pilate is a neutral party, wanting out, not today {MPT} Outcomes - Towers and InnocentsHumans have always wanted to build something, then even bigger Power, Beauty, Security the poor people that suffered during the collapse? Sometimes they fall by accident or by a horrific storm Sometimes they were destroyed As a man of God, I will tell you what I think of this {SCR} Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 8 “‘Sir,' the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”{MPT} Outcomes - Trees and Fruit How many acres do you think the vineyard was? - how much per acre? How much does the gardener get paid? We don't know the full investment the owner has committed He does not threaten the gardener He wants the tree to do the one thing it was designed to do {MPT} Process - Digging and Fertilizing On his knees Daily, there will be no results the following day, only more work No one will be checking in {QUO} “Life's fragility gives it urgency” Matthew Skinner - Luther SeminaryThis illustration could speak to you in two ways The one that needs care and nutrients The one that offers care and nutrients

Pisgah church member and U of SC professor, Dr Britt Terry preached on Luke 13:1-9

Repent or Perish & Warning Against Hypocrisy - Gospel Portion (Luke 13:1-17): The Third Sunday in Lent 3/23/2025 by Shawn Ozbun

Year C, Third Sunday in Lent

Today's reading is Luke 13-15. . . . . This month, we will be reading from the Christian Standard Bible. . . . . Your ratings and reviews help us spread the Gospel to new friends! If you love this podcast, ⁠⁠rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review⁠⁠! You can do the same on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠ as well.