Study Bible
Luke
Chapter 13

Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Luke 13:31-35Luke: List of Major Bible Charts, Maps, & PicturesJesus' Journey to JerusalemJesus' Teaching about the Kingdom of God

Luke 13:31-35NIV11-EN

³¹At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” ³²He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ ³³In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! ³⁴“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ³⁵Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

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Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Luke 13:31-33 says, "At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!"

It appears that Jesus was in Perea, where Herod ruled. The Pharisees preferred to see him in Judea, where they had more influence.

Jesus referred to Herod as that "fox" (cf. Neh. 4:3; Lam. 5:17-18; Ezek. 13:4). A fox is a man who was worthless and sly. Jesus was unmoved by the threat and said he would continue with his ministry. There was a limit to the amount of time available to Jesus, as the reference to "the third day" indicates. Jesus, the Creator of time, was on his a specific time-table (cf. Gal. 4:4).

Note that in Luke 13:33, Jesus was contemplating his death (note his reference to Jerusalem). He says, "I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - or surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!" (Luke 13:33). Jesus says, "must." There was a compelling, divine necessity to what Jesus was doing (teleioumai, thus, "I shall surely complete my goal"). Notice the further reference to "the third day" (cf. Luke 9:22; 18:33; 24:7, 21, 46; Acts 10:40) and the certainty that Jerusalem was the place where he would die. So, Jesus' goal was not merely his arrival in Jerusalem, but the completion of his redemptive work for his elect.

As to Luke 13:34-35, please see the Gospel of Matthew (below). Please see "Luke 13:34 and Irresistible Grace?" below.

Luke 13:31

Pharisees. See note on 5:17. Herod. See note on 3:1. leave. Though many Pharisees were antagonistic toward Jesus (6:7; 7:30; 16:14), others followed him (John 19:38-40). Thus, this could have been a sincere warning. Or, it could have been ploy to get him to leave because of his strong teaching (vv. 22-30).

Luke 13:32

fox. A metaphor in ancient Israel with multiple meanings. It could indicate someone crafty or someone who presumed they were important. They imagined themselves as a lion when they were merely a fox. Look. Though Herod (v. 31) had real political power, Jesus knew God was greater. His supernatural ministry gave evidence that he had greater authority than Herod. Jesus was not intimidated by Herod and was committed to fulfilling his Father's will. today and tomorrow, and the third day. Jesus died for sinners on the cross and was raised by God on the third day (9:22; 24:6-7; Acts 10:39-40; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Luke 13:33

kill a prophet. An ironic statement about the history of Israel. Jerusalem was the capital of ancient Israel. Therefore, representing the nation the people of the city should have embraced the message of the prophets. Instead, they mistreated them and killed them (see notes on 11:47-48). necessary. Despite their reputation of violence towards godly prophets, Jesus was committed to going to Jerusalem. He was committed to God's plan for him to die there as the Savior of the world (Mark 10:45; John 8:28; 10:15-18). today, tomorrow, and the following day. See note on v. 32.

Luke 13:34

Jerusalem, Jerusalem. The repetition of the name was a sign of deep affection (see 10:41-42; 2 Sam. 18:33; Matt. 23:37). kills the prophets. See notes on v. 33; 11:47-48. desired to gather. Jesus displayed his compassion on his people, though they sinfully rejected him. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32; 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; 2 Pet. 3:9).

Luke 13:35

house. A metaphor for the people of ancient Israel. They would be rejected by God because they would reject Jesus (vv. 6-9; Jer. 12:7; 22:5; Matt. 23:29; 1 Pet. 2:4-8). until you say. Jesus quoted the priestly blessings from Ps. 118. Jesus was greeted with this phrase by the disciples when he entered Jerusalem (19:38). However, this looks forward to the last day when Jesus returns as judge (Matt. 23:39; Phil. 2:10-11). Though some Jews would be saved, the majority of believers would be Gentile as the church grew (Acts 13:46-47; 18:6; 28:25-26).

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