Turning to God and Growing in His Kingdom (Luke 13:1-21)
Life can feel confusing sometimes, especially when we hear about tragedies or see unfair things happen. In Luke 13, Jesus talks about some of these hard situations—but instead of focusing on why bad things happen, He turns our attention to what matters most: turning our hearts to God, growing in faith, and living with purpose.
Let’s walk through the key moments from this part of the Gospel and see what they mean for us today.
When Bad Things Happen: A Call to Turn Back to God
Some people came to Jesus and told Him about a terrible event—some Galileans had been killed by the Roman governor. Maybe they expected Jesus to say those people must have done something wrong. But Jesus surprised them. He said, “Do you think they were worse than others just because they suffered?”
Then He gave another example: a tower had fallen and killed 18 people. Again, He asked, “Were they worse sinners than others?”
His answer? No. But He added something important: “Unless you turn back to God, you too will perish.”
Jesus wasn’t being harsh. He was being honest. We never know how much time we have, so we shouldn’t waste it. Instead of judging others, we should make sure our own hearts are right with God.
A Story About a Tree That Didn’t Grow
Next, Jesus told a short story. A man had a fig tree that didn’t produce any fruit, even after three years. He wanted to cut it down. But the gardener said, “Give it one more year. I’ll take care of it and see if it grows.”
This is a picture of God’s patience. He gives us time to grow and change. But it’s also a reminder that we shouldn’t take that time for granted. God wants our lives to show love, kindness, and trust in Him—what Jesus calls “good fruit.”
Healing on the Sabbath: Mercy Over Rules
While teaching in a synagogue (a place of worship), Jesus saw a woman who had been bent over and in pain for 18 years. He called her over, touched her, and she stood up straight!
The people were amazed—but one of the leaders got upset. He said healing shouldn’t happen on the Sabbath, the day of rest.
Jesus replied, “You untie your animals and give them water on the Sabbath—shouldn’t this woman be set free too?”
Everyone was quiet after that. The people were happy, but Jesus also made it clear: doing good is always the right thing, no matter the day.
How God’s Kingdom Grows
Jesus then shared two quick word pictures about what God’s kingdom is like.
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First, it’s like a mustard seed—tiny at first, but it grows into a big tree that gives shelter.
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Second, it’s like yeast—just a little bit makes a whole batch of dough rise.
These pictures remind us that small things can lead to big changes. Even one act of love, one faithful step, or one kind word can grow into something much greater when it’s part of God’s plan.
What This Means for Us
Luke 13 reminds us of a few important truths:
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We don’t always understand why hard things happen, but we do know that God calls us to turn to Him and trust Him.
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God is patient, giving us time to grow—but He also wants us to use that time well.
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Showing kindness and compassion matters more than following rules for the sake of appearance.
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Even the smallest step of faith can lead to big results in God’s kingdom.
So wherever you are today—whether you feel strong, unsure, or stuck—God is inviting you to turn to Him, grow in His love, and be part of something much bigger than yourself.
Luke 13:1-21 (WEB)
13:1 Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”6 He spoke this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down! Why does it waste the soil?’ 8 He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’ ”10 He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. 11 Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years. She was bent over and could in no way straighten herself up. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” 13 He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight and glorified God.14 The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, “There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!”15 Therefore the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each one of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath and lead him away to water? 16 Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham whom Satan had bound eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?”17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.18 He said, “What is God’s Kingdom like? To what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky live in its branches.”20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare God’s Kingdom? 21 It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”