“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 (KJV)
“Just then some Pharisees said to him, ‘Get away from here if you want to live. Herod Antipas wants to kill you.'” – Luke 13:31 (NLT)
“At that time, some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, ‘Get out of here if you want to live. Herod is on his way to kill you.'” – Luke 13:31 (MSG)
What Does Luke 13:31 Mean?
Luke 13:31 opens with a warning for Jesus from the Pharisees regarding King Herod Antipas. This verse is significant for several reasons. First, it shows the danger that Jesus faced during His earthly ministry. The Pharisees, who often opposed Him, are here conveying a caution that comes from their knowledge of Herod’s animosity towards Jesus. Herod was the ruler of Galilee and was known for his ruthless behavior, including the execution of John the Baptist. The Pharisees’ warning indicates that they were aware that Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his authority and jurisdiction. This added a layer of tension and danger to Jesus’ mission as He continued to preach and teach about the Kingdom of God. The fact that the Pharisees were sometimes as antagonistic as they were protective creates a unique interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time.
Understanding the background of Herod Antipas helps us contextually appreciate the warning given in this verse. Herod was a puppet king who ruled under Roman authority. He was plagued with paranoia and insecurity regarding his reign and would do anything to protect his power. As Jesus was gaining popularity and challenging the religious norms of the day, the potential for Herod to retaliate escalated and increased the risk for Jesus. The Pharisees’ caution can be seen as their own reflection of fear, a realization of how far they would go to maintain their control over religious authority.
Luke 13:31 Explanation and Commentary
This verse is a perfect encapsulation of the conflict that existed between the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached and the political powers of the time, represented by King Herod. It shows us a glimpse of the struggles within the early ministry of Christ. While on one level it appears that the Pharisees are genuinely concerned for Jesus’ safety, one must ask why they would care enough to issue a warning, especially given their typically antagonistic relationship with Him. This encounter demonstrates a mixture of fear and rivalry. The Pharisees acknowledged that Jesus held an influence that they could not control or fully embrace, which may have triggered their protective instincts.
The urgency in their warning suggests that Herod was prepared to act quickly. Jesus, however, responds with a level of confidence and defiance that illustrates His understanding of authority. He knew that His purpose was directed by a higher authority than Herod’s regime. The response of Christ, which is noted in the surrounding verses, reiterates His mission and destiny. He does not relent or flee from the threat but boldly continues on His path of ministry, showcasing His unwavering commitment. This sets an important example for us that faith in God’s mission often requires us to confront challenges rather than avoid them.
In addition to the immediate context of the verse, it is important to appreciate the response of Jesus—that He was not deterred by threats. He highlighted that He would continue to perform miracles and teach throughout the day, demonstrating that His mission was not contingent on political climate or opposition. This self-assuredness in the face of danger illustrates a model for us to maintain steadfastness in our own lives as believers. When we feel threatened or uncertain, we can find comfort in knowing that our purpose is overseen by a higher power.
Context of Luke 13:31
To fully grasp the implications of Luke 13:31, we need to look beyond this individual verse to its context within the chapter and the Gospel as a whole. This moment occurs towards the end of Jesus’ ministry as He travels towards Jerusalem, where He would ultimately face His crucifixion. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus has been teaching about repentance and His Kingdom, discussing the narrow door that one must enter to receive salvation. His teachings were both provocative and challenging to the established religious authorities, often resulting in tensions with the Pharisees.
We can see that the Pharisees circle around Jesus to observe Him closely. Their dual role as both seekers of truth and critics illustrates the complexity of their relationship with Him. At points, they seemed to seek understanding while at others, they were bent on casting judgment. Their warning about Herod serves as a reminder that while they may oppose Jesus for His radical teachings, they also recognize the legitimacy of His power and influence. While their intentions may not have been entirely supportive, it’s revealing that they were responding to the dynamics present in the cultural and political landscape.
This entire scene encapsulates the great tension that defined the moment. Jesus’ path was destined for suffering but also for great glory as He realized the full extent of His mission. His interactions with the Pharisees expose a chasm that exists between belief systems—the fear of death and the embrace of eternal life through Him. As Herod looms as a physical threat, Jesus’ focus remains on the Kingdom and fulfilling God’s purpose, using this tension to reveal profound truths about faith, resilience, and the love of God for humanity.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 13:31
We should focus on the key components of this verse to grasp its depth and significance. The first part of the verse indicates who brings the warning—certain Pharisees. The Pharisees as a group were known for their strict adherence to the law and often portrayed as antagonistic towards Jesus. Yet, their role as messengers in this instance creates a nuanced understanding of their relationship with Him.
The warning itself reveals the growing concern about Jesus’ ministry and the influence He was having on the people. The words “Get thee out, and depart hence” indicate urgency. The use of “Get away from here” suggests fear—a sense of danger that is palpably felt by the Pharisees, indicating that they recognize the real threat posed by Herod to Jesus’ life and mission.
Herod is portrayed as someone with the power to challenge Jesus and take His life, a reflection of the political climate. The mention of Herod’s intent shows the stakes involved in Jesus’ ministry. This moment not only emphasizes the danger of Jesus’ mission but also shows the sharp contrast between His divine power and the human power represented by Herod.
The richness of this interaction lies in its layering of themes such as danger, mission, opposition, and divine purpose. Jesus’ reaction reminds us of His resilience and clarity when faced with external threats. He was aware of the challenges ahead and understood that His mission would not be thwarted by worldly fear or danger.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 13:31
This verse teaches us significant lessons about facing adversity in our lives. One of the main messages is the importance of understanding our calling and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges. Jesus exemplified this principle—despite the threats against Him, He stayed true to His purpose. Likewise, we can take comfort in knowing that we, too, can remain steadfast in our personal missions, guided by a divine purpose that transcends our circumstances.
We also learn about the nature of faith. Jesus’ strong response to the Pharisees demonstrates the importance of having faith over fear. Although he faced deadly threats, He was not detoured or intimidated. In our own lives, we may encounter fears and uncertainties, but finding confidence and reassurance in our faith can empower us to move forward despite obstacles.
The interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees shows us the complexities of relationships and the human condition. Even those who might not always agree with us can sometimes offer valuable insights or warnings, albeit mixed with other motivations. This reminds us that there can often be a blend of good and bad in any relationship or interaction.
Lastly, the call to action in this verse is a profound encouragement to continue in faithfulness regardless of external pressures. Much like Jesus, we face our own “Herods” in life—circumstances that press against us, threatening our calling, peace, or hope. This scripture encourages us not to retreat but embrace our mission with pride and conviction. There is strength in our reliance on God, who empowers us to push through even the most daunting challenges.
Final Thoughts
Luke 13:31 provides a profound glimpse into the urgency and dangers faced by Jesus during His ministry. It allows us to reflect on the nature of opposition, faith, and purpose. We recognize that, like Jesus, we might encounter detractors, challenges, and fears that urge us to retreat. Yet, His unwavering commitment to His mission serves as a lesson for us, encouraging us to stay the course, pursue our goals, and remain rooted in our faith.
As we seek to understand this passage, let us remember the importance of faith in our lives. We can look to Jesus’ example for strength as we engage with our own challenges. No matter what warnings or obstacles are presented before us, we can choose to embrace the mission set before us with courage. For further insights into faith and perseverance, consider exploring other passages as well, like Genesis 18:5 or Genesis 17:6. There are many stories in the Bible that inspire and guide us along our paths.