"Your will be done, my God and Father, as in Heaven so on Earth. My heart is drawn to self-exalting, help me seek your kingdom first."

–CityAlight

Shout out to our staff and volunteer leaders who attended the annual EFCA Theology Conference in Naperville, IL. 

This year it was all about what the Bible REALLY teaches concerning heaven, hell and judgement and what it looks like to live wisely and faithfully in light of eternity. SO good!  

Make sure to register for our next pop-up class, Thinking Biblically About Heaven and Hell, on Saturday, March 21. You'll get to hear much of what was taught at this conference. You don't have to be a scholar to attend. Remember, we are all theologians! 

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 13:10-21

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We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9-19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

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The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

Jesus has come to bring healing and transformation; God's Kingdom purposes are advancing and no human or spiritual opposition can stop it.

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

Do you ever question God’s timing or presence? Do you ever find yourself wondering if the Kingdom is really at hand? If so, why is it sometimes too hard to see? And what does it look like to play a part in such a strange, slow, hidden movement? 

In this pivotal moment in Luke's Gospel, Jesus will switch from teaching with words that warn to actions that heal. What's His point? Human rules and power do not define the scope of God’s power.

Jesus’ healing and the parables that follow remind us that while at times subtle or seemingly invisible, the power of God is at work. And His Kingdom will continuously grow until it reaches its full, glorious potential. In the meantime, we are all sinners in need of repentance and reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. During this time of God’s great patience, may we proclaim the gospel, bear fruit and participate in God’s healing, restorative activity here on earth.

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

This healing miracle (13:10-17) appears only in Luke and mirrors the miracle and message in Luke 6:6-11.

“disabling spirit” (13:11) “a spirit of weakness” – A debilitating physical condition attributed to demonic influence, not demon possession; this pictures the debilitating effect of sin. 

According to Jewish law, healing on the Sabbath would have been allowed only in emergency, life-threatening situations. The healing by laying on of hands was evidence of Jesus’ power over sin.

“the people rejoiced” (13:17) – The people see past the leader’s accusations to the truth of Jesus’ message about healing and overcoming Satan’s power. 

Two Kingdom parables (13:18-21) – The Jewish expectation was of a messianic kingdom, which would be established suddenly and decisively. The two parables illustrate a kingdom that starts small, almost imperceptible, but grows exponentially.

The mustard seed (13:19) was a Jewish proverb for something extremely small. Mustard typically grows into a bush around four feet, but it can reach ten feet or more.

“Birds of the air…in its branches” (13:19) echoes Old Testament imagery of a great tree providing refuge—peace, security and welcome. In this context, the birds are not “evil influences” sneaking into the kingdom.

Leaven/yeast is often negative elsewhere (13:21, see also 12:1), but here it functions positively: everyday kitchen imagery for a quiet, pervasive influence that transforms from within.

Three sata of flour” (13:21) is intentionally huge, about three gallons per saton (roughly twenty pounds, so three sata is an enormous batch. The point: a little leaven goes a very long way.

Group Guide

Following the series with your group? 

• Start with some icebreaker questions.
• Read the passage together before you dive in. 
• Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started.

Conversation Starters

1. Describe this woman’s experience. What do you think were some of her emotions over the past 18 years?

2. Now describe her after Jesus heals her. How does this change mirror the transformation the Gospel brings to our lives?  

3. Read verse 14. What does the synagogue leaders' response reveal about their beliefs/their hearts?  

4. Read verses 18-21. Jesus describes the Kingdom of God. How is His description different than what the people would have expected, and even different than our own expectations?  

5. How does Jesus’s description of the Kingdom of God encourage us today?  

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for seeing us in our pain and sin and bringing us healing. Thank you that we can walk in freedom and gratitude knowing that your Kingdom is advancing. Amen.

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