Luke 13

The Dresser Who Pleads for the Tree

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Luke 13:6–9

The owner seeks fruit for three years (the length of Jesus' ministry) and wants the barren tree cut down, but the dresser of the vineyard pleads for more time and more care. Christ is our Advocate who pleads for time and labors over us so we can bear fruit before judgment comes, like the servant in Zenos's allegory who says, 'spare it a little longer.'

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 5:1-7 — the LORD's vineyard that brought forth no good fruit
• the same title in D&C 45:3-5 — Christ as the Advocate with the Father: spare these my brethren
• the same title in Jacob 5:26-27 — the servant pleads with the Lord of the vineyard: spare it a little longer

The Deliverer from Bondage

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. Luke 13:10–17

Jesus, called 'the Lord' in verse 15, frees a woman Satan had bound for eighteen years, and does it on the Sabbath, the day God gave to remember deliverance. He is the promised Deliverer who sets captives free.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Isaiah 61:1 — to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound
• the same title in Luke 4:18 — Jesus reads Isaiah 61 as fulfilled in Himself: to set at liberty them that are bruised
• alludes to Deuteronomy 5:15 — the Sabbath as remembrance that the LORD brought Israel out of bondage

Master of the House at the Door

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Luke 13:23–27

Jesus pictures Himself as the master of the house who will one day shut the door. Having eaten with Him or heard Him teach is not enough; we must truly know Him and enter by the strait gate while it is open.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in 2 Nephi 9:41 — the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there
• alludes to Matthew 7:21-23 — Lord, Lord... I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
• alludes to Matthew 25:10-12 — the door was shut... Lord, Lord, open to us... I know you not

Perfected the Third Day

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. Luke 13:31–33

Warned that Herod wants to kill Him, Jesus calmly says He will finish His work and 'the third day' be perfected, and that He must die in Jerusalem. He is pointing to His death and to His Resurrection on the third day, when His work would be complete.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Luke 9:22 — slain, and be raised the third day
• fulfilled by Luke 24:46 — it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day
• alluded to by Hebrews 5:8-9 — being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation

Jehovah Who Would Gather Israel

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Luke 13:34

Jesus speaks as the One who, across Israel's whole history, sent prophets and longed to gather His people under His protecting wings. Only Jehovah, the God of Israel, could say 'how often would I have gathered' Jerusalem; He uses the same image when His voice speaks to the Nephites and in latter-day revelation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by 3 Nephi 10:4-6 — how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings
• alluded to by D&C 43:24 — How oft have I called upon you... as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings
• alludes to Psalm 91:4 — He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust
• a parallel account in Matthew 23:37 — the lament over Jerusalem in Matthew

He That Cometh in the Name of the Lord

He that cometh — the Coming One, a messianic title from Psalm 118

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Luke 13:35

Jesus quotes the messianic Psalm and says Jerusalem will not see Him until they welcome Him as the Coming One. The crowds shout these words at His triumphal entry, and Israel will fully say them when He comes again.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 118:26 — Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD
• fulfilled by Luke 19:38 — Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord
• fulfilled by D&C 45:51-52 — the Jews shall look upon me and say, What are these wounds... then shall they know that I am the Lord