Luke 11:37-13:21

Jesus spoke harsh words to the Pharisees and lawyers (experts in the law of Moses), condemning them for their hypocrisy, and for the excessive burdens they placed on common people.

He tells His disciples to beware the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and that none of them should fear the wicked rulers in the land, but they should rather fear God, Who loves and cares for those who are His.

Jesus warns the people against having hearts of greed, and he tells the story of the rich man who saved up much, without realizing that his death was coming that very night.  It is far better to store up spiritual riches in heaven, rather than trusting in temporary things on earth.  It is far better to rely on the Providence of God, Who will take care of everyone who trusts in Him.  Live life in anticipation of the Lord’s return, like strangers in a foreign country, rather than worrying about position or power or wealth in this world.

Jesus told His disciples that the service of His servants will be recognized and rewarded after He returns, which will be based upon what each one did for Him as His servants on the earth.

Jesus then tells some people that there is a great need for repentance in Israel, and likens them to a fig tree that refuses to bear fruit for 3 years, and has only a short time remaining before it will be cut off.  He heals a women that was bent over like a folded taco shell on the Sabbath, but the self-righteous Jews were mad that it was done on the Sabbath.  Jesus was in turn angry over their hypocrisy, and their lack of compassion for the woman.