We have made reference to these verses in Chapter 11 and in Chapter 24. It would be helpful if you would review these chapters that help to put this week's text in its broader Lukan context. In our comments on the Parable of the Sower we have also noted that among the fundamental temptations that keep us from hearing the word of God (the seed that is sown) are the cares and riches and pleasures of life. See Luke 8:4-15, v. 14. In Chapter 31 we dealt with the material in Luke 14:25-33 in which Jesus called his dis-ciples to leave family, lose self, and let loose of all possessions (v.
