Luke 13:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?

NIV: Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?

NASB: And again He said, 'To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?

CSB: Again he said, "What can I compare the kingdom of God to?

NLT: He also asked, 'What else is the Kingdom of God like?

KJV: And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God

NKJV: And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God is a significant theme in Jesus' "travelogue" (Luke 9:51—19:27). Throughout, the religious leaders work against God's kingdom (Luke 11:14–15, 29–32, 37–54; 13:10–17; 14:1–24). Because of people's hard-hearted rejection of Jesus, those who do follow Him will have to make serious sacrifices (Luke 12:22–53) and possibly face death (Luke 12:4–5).

The forces of the world and of demons, however, cannot stop God's kingdom. It is like a mustard seed sown in a garden that grows into a tree; it will grow slowly but once established it will not be removed. When it is big and sturdy enough, birds will roost in its branches. That is, people of the nations will find rest and protection (Luke 13:19).

The kingdom of God is also like "leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened" (Luke 13:21). Once leaven is added to flour, it cannot be removed. As the woman stirs the mixture, the leaven distributes through the flour until no part of the batch is unaffected. "Three measures" is about fifty pounds, or twenty-three kilograms. That's a lot of dough. Similarly, the world is a big place. It will take time for God's kingdom to reach every tribe and language, but it will get there (Matthew 28:18–20; Revelation 5:9–10).

Luke 13:18–21 records two short similes that describe the kingdom of God. The first compares the kingdom to a mustard seed that grows into a tree that the birds can rest in. The second compares the kingdom to leaven that is worked through an entire batch of dough. In both cases, growth is slow at first. But once growth starts, it's unstoppable. Similar stories appear in Matthew 13:31–33 and Mark 4:30–32. Next, Luke records Jesus explaining that the door to the kingdom is narrow and lamenting that so many Jews will reject that path (Luke 13:22–35).

Jesus uses real-world examples to show that tragedy and death can come to anyone, even the righteous. No one should delay in reconciling to God; time is running out. Jesus heals a woman in the synagogue, on the Sabbath, triggering an angry response. Jesus scolds the synagogue leader, then preaches about the inevitable spread of the gospel around the entire world. However, He also notes that most people will reject this message, including the people of Israel.

Luke 9:51—19:27 is sometimes called "Jesus' Travelogue to Jerusalem." The segment describes how Jesus prepared the disciples for their future as He approached His own death and resurrection. Interspersed are a few altercations with religious leaders. There are calls for the crowd to repent of their sins and reconcile with God before it's too late. In Luke 13, two stories in particular reveal Jesus' heart. In one, He heals a long-suffering woman on the Sabbath; healing is a type of rest. In the last, He mourns the fact that, for now, the Jews as a nation will reject their Messiah.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.