1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.
3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.
6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.”
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat 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. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them.
16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
18 A ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.’”
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’”
21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”
27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”
29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.
32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon.
33 And when they had accomplished everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.
34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.
37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him,
41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”
43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
The True Meaning of Luke 18
This passage from the Gospel of Luke provides a glimpse into the teachings and encounters of Jesus during his ministry. The author, Luke, was a physician and companion of the apostle Paul, who meticulously documented the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus imparts wisdom through parables and engages with individuals from various backgrounds in this chapter, foreshadowing the profound impact of his message.
The chapter begins with Jesus emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer, using the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate the power of unwavering faith. This sets the stage for the subsequent interactions, where Jesus encounters a Pharisee and a tax collector, highlighting the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine humility before God. Jesus blesses children, a rich ruler seeks eternal life, and he heals a blind man in this chapter, with each event revealing the transformative nature of his teachings.
Throughout the passage, Jesus draws upon the wisdom of the Old Testament, echoing the words of the psalmist who declares, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). This emphasis on the accessibility of God’s grace and the importance of a humble heart resonate with the broader themes of the Gospels, where Jesus consistently challenges the religious establishment and offers salvation to the marginalized.
Luke 18:1-8
Jesus shared a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. This passage is meant to teach his disciples about the importance of persistent prayer and faith. Let’s break down the verse into important sections for a deeper analysis. The passage introduces us to the characters of the story. The widow represents a marginalized and vulnerable person in society, as widows during this time often had little power or resources and were easily taken advantage of. The unjust judge, on the other hand, symbolizes a corrupt and callous figure who cares nothing for God or people. This stark contrast sets the stage for the central theme of the parable, which is the importance of persistence in prayer.
The widow in the story repeatedly goes to the unjust judge seeking justice against her adversary. Even though the judge does not fear God or care about the widow’s situation, he eventually decides to grant her justice simply because of her persistence. This illustrates how even an unjust judge can be moved by sheer persistence. Imagine the strength and determination the widow must have had to keep going back to someone who had no regard for justice or righteousness. This demonstrates a powerful lesson about the importance of perseverance and faith in prayer.
This parable serves as a reminder to believers to be persistent in their prayers to God. God, unlike the unjust judge, is a just and loving Father who cares deeply for His children. Jesus is teaching his followers that if even an unjust judge can be impacted by persistence, how much more will our loving and just God respond to our persistent prayers. This encourages us to continue to seek God in prayer, trusting that He hears us and will answer in His perfect timing.
The parable in Luke 18:1-8 resonates with other teachings of Jesus on prayer and faith. Jesus encourages his disciples in Matthew 7:7-8 to ask, seek, and knock, emphasizing the need for persistence and perseverance in prayer. Additionally, in Luke 11:5-10, Jesus tells the parable of the friend at midnight, highlighting the importance of persistence in prayer and the certainty of God’s response to those who seek Him diligently. Luke 18:1-8 conveys a powerful message about the significance of persistent prayer and faith in the lives of believers. Through the characters of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, Jesus teaches us the importance of continually seeking God in prayer, trusting in His justice and goodness. This parable continues to inspire and guide Christians today, reminding us to persist in prayer and to trust in God’s faithfulness and love.
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus presents a powerful story in Luke 18:9-14 to highlight the importance of humility and true repentance. Let’s break down this verse and delve into its significance in the context of Luke’s narrative.
Verse 9: Here, Jesus directs this parable to a specific audience – “some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt.” This sets the stage for the main lesson to come, which revolves around the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine humility.
Verse 10: Jesus introduces two characters, a Pharisee and a tax collector. Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to religious laws and their perceived righteousness, while tax collectors were often viewed as sinners and traitors, collaborating with the Roman authorities. The Pharisee represented self-righteousness and pride, while the tax collector symbolized humility and repentance.
Verses 11-12: The Pharisee’s prayer is a reflection of his arrogance and self-righteousness. He boasts about his own deeds, fasting, and giving, while looking down upon others, particularly the tax collector. His prayer is more of a self-congratulatory monologue rather than a humble conversation with God. The tax collector stands at a distance, humbly acknowledging his sinfulness and unworthiness before God. He beats his breast in sorrow, a sign of deep repentance and humility. Unlike the Pharisee, he doesn’t claim any merit of his own but simply asks for God’s mercy.
The pivotal message of this parable lies in Jesus’ concluding words in verse 14: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” This statement emphasizes the importance of humility and genuine repentance in the eyes of God. It also confronts the prevalent attitude of self-righteousness and judgmentalism, encouraging a spirit of humility and compassion towards others.
This parable echoes the sentiment expressed in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 16:5 – “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” It serves as a reminder to prioritize a humble heart and genuine repentance over external displays of piety or self-righteousness. Humility and the boundless mercy of God underscore the transformative power towards those who humbly seek Him.
Luke 18:15-17
A very important moment in the ministry of Jesus is seen in Luke 18:15-17. The passage reads: “People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”
This passage highlights the importance of childlike faith and humility in entering the kingdom of God. When the disciples tried to prevent people from bringing their children to Jesus, they were likely following the cultural norms of the time which placed little importance on children. However, Jesus shocks them by not only welcoming the children but also using them as an example of the kind of faith required to enter the kingdom of God.
Children are often seen as innocent, trusting, and dependent, qualities that are vital for a relationship with God. Jesus’s statement about receiving the kingdom of God like a little child implies a need for humility, trust, and a simple faith in God’s goodness and grace. This challenges our human tendency towards self-sufficiency, pride, and complexity in our approach to spirituality.
This passage also reminds us of the value that Jesus placed on children. Jesus elevates children in a society where they were often marginalized, showing that they are important in the kingdom of God. This is consistent with other teachings of Jesus that emphasize caring for the marginalized and vulnerable in society, such as the poor, the sick, and the outcasts.
Furthermore, the concept of childlike faith is reiterated in other parts of the Bible. Jesus says in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”” This shows that the idea of childlike faith is not limited to this passage in Luke but is a recurring theme in Jesus’s teachings. Luke 18:15-17 challenges us to approach God with humility, simplicity, and trust, like a little child approaching a loving parent. It reminds us that the kingdom of God is not earned through achievements or status but is received as a gift through faith and dependence on God. This timeless message continues to resonate with believers today, urging us to let go of our pride and self-sufficiency and embrace a humble, childlike trust in the goodness and grace of God.
Luke 18:18-23
Luke 18:18-23 presents the interaction between Jesus and a rich, young ruler. The passage starts with the young ruler addressing Jesus as “Good Teacher” and asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. This addressing of Jesus as a “Good Teacher” rather than recognizing Him as the Son of God already sets the tone for the young ruler’s misunderstandings about Jesus’s true identity. The young ruler’s question also reveals his belief that eternal life could be earned through good deeds or actions.
Jesus, in His response, draws attention to the commandments, particularly those related to one’s behavior towards others. He lists a few of the commandments, emphasizing the importance of love for one’s neighbor. Jesus’s highlighting of these commandments serves to point out the young ruler’s reliance on his own actions for salvation, whereas true salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This interaction underscores the fact that no one can earn their way into eternal life through good deeds or personal achievements, but it is only through faith in Christ that one can attain salvation.
When the young ruler claims to have kept all these commandments since his youth, Jesus tells him that he lacks one thing – to sell all his possessions, distribute the proceeds to the poor, and follow Him. This statement strikes at the heart of the young ruler’s attachment to his wealth and material possessions. It exposes the young ruler’s true problem – his love for money and possessions exceeded his love for God. Jesus’s command to the young ruler was not about a general requirement for all believers to give up everything they own, but rather, it was a specific instruction tailored to address the young man’s specific struggle with greed and materialism.
The young ruler’s reaction to Jesus’s directive is one of sadness and reluctance, for he was very wealthy. This response illustrates his unwillingness to part with his earthly treasures and his failure to prioritize eternal wealth over temporary riches. Jesus’s statement, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24), reflects the overarching theme in the Bible that the love of wealth and material possessions can hinder one’s relationship with God. This account serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of placing God above all else and the futility of pursuing worldly riches at the expense of spiritual treasures. Jesus teaches about laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth in other verses such as Matthew 6:19-21, connecting this passage to the theme of wealth and eternal life. The story of the rich, young ruler serves as a powerful reminder of the potential barriers that wealth can create in one’s spiritual journey and the need to guard against idolizing material possessions. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and priorities, ensuring that their focus remains on following Christ wholeheartedly, even if it means sacrificing worldly comforts or possessions.
Luke 18:24-30
Jesus makes a profound statement about the difficulty the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of God in Luke 18:24-30. This passage follows the encounter between Jesus and the rich ruler who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, but the ruler was unable to do so because he was extremely wealthy. Jesus then remarked how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, saying it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter God’s kingdom.
This statement is striking because in the culture of that time, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s favor. The idea that someone who was rich would struggle to enter the kingdom of God would have been surprising and even unsettling to many. However, Jesus was challenging the common misconception that material wealth equates to spiritual wealth. He was highlighting the importance of humility, generosity, and faith in God over an attachment to material possessions.
The image of a camel going through the eye of a needle is a powerful metaphor for the impossibility of a rich person entering the kingdom of God on their own merits. This metaphor emphasizes that salvation is not something that can be achieved through human effort or wealth, but rather through grace and surrender to God. It serves as a reminder that no one can earn their way into heaven, regardless of their material wealth or social status.
This passage also speaks to the broader theme of wealth and poverty throughout the Bible. Proverbs 19:17 states, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”” Jesus himself frequently emphasized the need for compassion and generosity towards those in need, as seen in verses like Matthew 25:40 where he says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. This passage in Luke 18 serves as a reminder that we should center our priorities and values on God and His kingdom rather than on earthly possessions. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider where our true treasure lies. Through this teaching, Jesus calls us to live lives of radical obedience, trust, and humility, knowing that it is only through God’s grace that we can enter His kingdom.
Luke 18:31-34
Jesus foretells his death and resurrection to his disciples in Luke 18:31-34. This is a pivotal moment in the book of Luke and in Jesus’ ministry, as it marks a clear turning point towards the culmination of his earthly mission. Jesus specifically tells his disciples in the first section of this verse what is about to happen to him.” Jesus is referring to the prophecies in the Old Testament that foretold his suffering, death, and resurrection. This shows Jesus’ deep understanding of his purpose and mission on earth, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the salvation of humanity.
The mention of “the prophets” here alludes to various Old Testament passages, such as Isaiah 53, which describes the suffering and sacrificial death of the Messiah. Jesus is emphasizing the divine plan established long before his earthly ministry began by referencing these prophecies. This highlights the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history and the fulfillment of ancient promises in Jesus Christ.
The next section of the verse says, “For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon.” Here, Jesus foretells the specific details of his suffering, pointing to the humiliation and abuse he will endure at the hands of both Jewish and Gentile authorities. This prediction underscores the injustice and cruelty that Jesus, the innocent and sinless Son of God, will face for the sake of humanity’s salvation.
The final part of the verse states, “And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” This foreshadows the sequence of events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. The mention of the resurrection is a crucial aspect of this prophecy, as it highlights the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. It demonstrates the power of God to overcome the greatest of human afflictions and serves as the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus not only predicts his own death and resurrection in Luke 18:31-34 but also teaches his disciples about the cost of discipleship. He calls them to follow him wholeheartedly, even in the face of suffering and persecution. This passage challenges believers to embrace the sacrificial nature of following Christ and to trust in the ultimate triumph of his redeeming work. It reminds us that the path of discipleship may be difficult, but the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ far outweighs any temporary trials we may face. This passage underscores Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant of God, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the victorious Savior who conquers death through his resurrection. It invites us to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, inspiring us to take up our own crosses and follow him with unwavering faith and devotion.
Luke 18:35-43
Jesus healed a blind beggar near Jericho as he was approaching the city in Luke 18:35-43. This passage can be divided into several key sections that hold significant spiritual and moral lessons.
The story begins with Jesus and his disciples nearing Jericho, and as they were passing by, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. This blind beggar is a representation of the marginalized and needy in society, those who are often overlooked and ignored. Despite his disability and low social status, the blind man displayed great faith and persistence in calling out to Jesus for mercy. This demonstrates the power of faith and persistence in seeking help and redemption from the Lord. The blind man’s tenacity is a powerful example for believers to never give up hope and always turn to Jesus in times of need.
When the blind man heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The blind man’s use of the title “Son of David” is significant because it acknowledges Jesus as the promised Messiah, the descendant of David who was prophesied to come and save God’s people. The blind man shows his belief in Jesus’ divine power to heal and save by addressing Jesus in this way. This powerful declaration of faith is a reminder to all believers to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and to approach Him with sincere faith and humility.
Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, the blind man persisted in his cries for mercy, which led Jesus to stop and call the man to Him. Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted Him to do for him, to which the man responded, “Lord, I want to see.” Jesus then granted the man’s request, saying, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” This miraculous healing not only restored the blind man’s physical sight but also symbolized the spiritual sight that comes through faith in Jesus. This event highlights Jesus’ compassion for the broken, His willingness to respond to sincere faith, and His ability to bring about miraculous transformations in the lives of believers.
The conclusion of the story emphasizes the blind man’s immediate response to his healing – he followed Jesus, glorifying God. This serves as a model for believers to respond to God’s blessings with gratitude, worship, and obedience. The blind man’s transformation from a beggar on the roadside to a follower of Jesus illustrates the power of encounter with Christ to change lives and bring about spiritual renewal. This account challenges believers to reflect on their own response to Jesus’ mercy and grace, prompting us to live lives that glorify God and testify to His miraculous works. Reflecting on this passage reminds us of the importance of faith, persistence, humility, and gratitude in our relationship with God. Like the blind beggar, we are called to approach Jesus with unwavering faith, to persist in seeking His mercy, and to respond to His blessings with praise and obedience. The story of the blind man’s healing serves as a profound illustration of Jesus’ power to transform lives, to restore sight to the blind, and to bring salvation to all who believe in Him. It calls us to examine our own spiritual sight and seek the healing and restoration that can only come through faith in Jesus Christ.
After Luke 18
Jesus spoke about the importance of humility, faith, and persistence in prayer in the chapter of Luke 18. Through parables and interactions with his disciples, Jesus emphasized the need for a childlike faith and the virtue of approaching God with a humble heart. He also highlighted the significance of persistent prayer, showing that God hears the cries of His people and answers them in His perfect timing. Let us reflect on the lessons from Luke 18, remember the words of Jesus, and strive to embody the qualities of humility, faith, and persistence in our own lives. May we approach God with childlike trust, knowing that He is a loving Father who cares for His children. We continue to pray without ceasing, trusting that God hears our prayers and will answer them according to His will. Let us hold onto these teachings and allow them to guide us in the chapters that lie ahead as we move forward.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.