Verses 54–59
Christ would have the people to be as wise in the concerns of their souls as they are in outward
affairs. Let them hasten to obtain peace with God before it is too late. If any man has found that
God has set himself against him concerning his sins, let him apply to him as God in Christ reconciling
the world to himself. While we are alive, we are in the way, and now is our time.
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Christ exhorts to repentance from the case (1–5)
of the Galileans and others.
Parable of the barren fig-tree. (6–9)
The infirm woman strengthened. (10–17)
The parables of the mustard seed, and (18–22)
leaven.
Exhortation to enter at the strait gate. (23–30)
Christ's reproof to Herod, and to the people (31–35)
of Jerusalem.Verses 1–5
Mention was made to Christ of the death of some Galileans. This tragical story is briefly related
here, and is not met with in any historians. In Christ's reply he spoke of another event, which, like
it, gave an instance of people taken away by sudden death. Towers, that are built for safety, often
prove to be men's destruction. He cautioned his hearers not to blame great sufferers, as if they were
therefore to be accounted great sinners. As no place or employment can secure from the stroke of
death, we should consider the sudden removals of others as warnings to ourselves. On these accounts
Christ founded a call to repentance. The same Jesus that bids us repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand, bids us repent, for otherwise we shall perish.
Verses 6–9
This parable of the barren fig-tree is intended to enforce the warning given just before: the
barren tree, except it brings forth fruit, will be cut down. This parable in the first place refers to the
nation and people of the Jews. Yet it is, without doubt, for awakening all that enjoy the means of
grace, and the privileges of the visible church. When God has borne long, we may hope that he
will bear with us yet a little longer, but we cannot expect that he will bear always.