Luke 13
New Matthew Bible
Of the Galileans whom Pilate slew, and of those that died in Siloam. The similitude of the fig tree. Christ heals the sick woman. The parables of the mustard seed and leaven. Few enter into the kingdom. Christ reproves Herod and Jerusalem.
13 There were present at that same time people who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their own sacrifice. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, Do you suppose these Galileans were greater sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such punishment? 3 I tell you no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and slew them, do you think they were sinners above all who dwell in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
6 He put forth this similitude: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit on it, and found none. 7 Then he said to the dresser of his vineyard, Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none. Cut it down. Why is it taking up space on the ground? 8 And he answered and said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I dig round about it and dung it to see whether it will bear fruit. 9 And if it does not bear then, after that cut it down.
10 And he taught in one of their synagogues on the Sabbath days. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was stooped over, and could not lift herself up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said to her, Woman, you are delivered from your disease. 13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight and glorified God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue responded with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day, and he said to the people, There are six days in which men ought to work; in them come and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.
15 Then the Lord answered him and said, Hypocrite, does not each one of you on the Sabbath day loose his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead it to the water? 16 And ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound now eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?
17 And when he said this, all his adversaries were ashamed. But all the people rejoiced for all the tremendous deeds that were done by him.
18 Then he said, What is the kingdom of God like? or to what shall I compare it? 19 Is is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew, and developed into a great tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.
20 And again he said, To what may I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three bushels of flour until it was leavened right through.
22 And he went through all manner of cities and towns, teaching and journeying towards Jerusalem.
23 Then someone said to him, Lord, are there few that will be saved?
And he said to them, 24 Strive with yourselves to enter in at the strait gate. For many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. 25 When the master of the house has risen up and has shut the door to, you all will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us! And he will answer and say to you, I know you not, where you are from. 26 Then you will begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you have taught in our streets. 27 And he will say, I tell you, I do not know you, where you are from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!
28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out at the doors. 29 And people will come from the east and from the west, and from the north and from the south, and will sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.
31 That same day, certain of the Pharisees came and said to him, Get yourself out of the way, and depart from here, because Herod wants to kill you. 32 And he said to them, Go and tell that fox, behold, I cast out devils and heal the people today and tomorrow, and the third day I make an end of it. 33 Nevertheless, I must be going on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish anywhere other than at Jerusalem.
34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together, like the hen gathers her nest under her wings! But you would not. 35 Behold, your habitation shall be left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes that you say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.