30: A Growing Seed & the Narrow Door & Rejection in Jerusalem (Luke 13:18 – 35)

This section shows the mysterious nature of the Kingdom. The kingdom starts with a small seed but will grow big, yet many will fail to enter it. It will be suprise that the Jews fail to enter, while the Gentiles are brought in. It also reveals their blind rejection—even to the point of persecution—especially in Jerusalem, the chosen city.

👉 Read Luke 13:18-35

Q1. (vv.18–21) What properties of the kingdom of God do the two parables explain?

ANS: It is growing: A person or a community must continue to grow spiritually. If there is true life, growth will follow.

In the process of sanctification or in ministry, we must learn to wait with patience. We should not flip-flop based on what is seen. Rather, we must remain steadfast under the guidance of the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Q2. (vv.22–30) “Exert every effort to enter through (             ). Many will try to enter and will not be able to, because when the Master (      ) the door, no one can enter. … He will answer to you, ‘(              ) where you come from.’ … Indeed, some who are last will be (         ), and some who are first will be (       ).”

“Exert every effort to enter through ( the narrow door ). Many will try to enter and will not be able to, because when the Master ( shuts ) the door, no one can enter. … He will answer to you, ‘( I don’t know ) where you come from.’ … Indeed, some who are last will be ( first ), and some who are first will be ( last ).”

There will be a surprising and unexpected outcome: the first will become last, and the last will become first. The Gentiles from the east and the west will come and join the banquet.

The difficulty lies in this: when the door is suddenly shut, no one can enter. People may be misled into thinking that they are in salvation simply through their religious activities. However, salvation is not something a person can control; ultimately, it is in God’s hands.

Jesus repeatedly says, “I don’t know where you come from.” Their problem is that they have no true relationship with the Lord. This means they were neither sent by God nor do they belong to Him.

Many strive to enter the door of life, yet often in their own ways. But unless the Father sends them to Jesus, they cannot truly encounter Him. That is why He says, “Make every effort.” Offer your whole life in longing for the Lord, to the extent that it moves the heart of God. Trust in His mercy, for He does not turn away those who seek Him with all their heart.

Q3. What is the work that Jesus will complete in Jerusalem? (31-33)

To be killed.

Jesus did not run away from Herod, even though Herod wanted to kill Him. This is because Jesus was carrying out His appointed work (v.32). Moreover, His death would come regardless of Herod, for it is Jerusalem that has a history of killing the Lord’s prophets (v.33). Meditate on why Jesus needed to be killed in Jerusalem (the place of the old covenant).

Q4. Because Jerusalem persecuted the Lord’s (                   ), the city will left uninhabited. She won’t see her Savior until she cries out, (                                      ).  

ANS: Because Jerusalem persecuted the Lord’s ( prophets ), the city will left uninhabited. She won’t see her Savior until she cries out, ( Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! )

The Jews will be forsaken until they become humble and begin to seek their Savior.

Verse 35 may refer, in the near future, to Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; but more fully, it points to His second coming in the far future.