The question arises as to whether this passage is soteriological . . . a warning to the lost that they are in need of eternal salvation. An alternative view holds that the warning of temporal judgment on the nation of Israel, not the eternal judgment of a lost sinner. Verses, 6-9, which immediately follow, appear to be dealing with God's pending judgment on the nation, and therefore provide some contextual support for the temporal-judgment interpretation of Luke 13:1-5.
6 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.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Verses 6-9 strongly appear to be directed to temporal judgment on Israel, and context should never be dismissed lightly. However, an examination of the "overall context" of chapters 12-13 will show that a variety of judgments are discussed in the short space of those two chapters.
Luke chapter 12 is largely directed to the judgment of believers at the judgment seat. Verses 1-12 are directed to the believer's willingness to confess Christ, and remembering that our lives will be reviewed by the God of the universe. Luke 12:13-34 deals with money, and remembering that our stewardship will be judged. The passage encourages believers to therefore trust God for our physical needs. Verses 35-48 about being ready for the Lord's return in general.
Luke 13:23-30 appear to be dealing principally with eternal salvation, although arguments could be advanced that it deals, at least in part, with the believer's acquitting himself honorably at the judgment seat.
Luke 13:34-35 return to the theme of the temporal judgment and destruction of Jerusalem earlier addressed in verses 7-9 of this same chapter.
This rapid sequence of contextual shifts includes temporal judgment of cities, the judgment of the believer, and the judgment of the lost. The unifying theme is simply judgment. The context is not limited to temporal judgment.
On the other hand, in chapter 18, Luke discusses men who seek to justify themselves through their own works of righteousness.
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.
