1 And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
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: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none [is] good, save one, [that is], God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they that heard [it] said, Who then can be saved?
27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,
30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
31 Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
33 And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.
39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.
40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw [it], gave praise unto God.
Overview of Luke Chapter 18
Luke Chapter 18 is a rich narrative that presents several parables and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing themes of humility, persistence in prayer, and the nature of faith. This chapter includes the parable of the persistent widow, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus’ blessing of the children, and the account of the rich ruler. Each section contributes to the overall message of reliance on God and the reversal of societal values.
Key Themes
- Persistence in Prayer: The parable of the persistent widow illustrates the importance of continual prayer and faith in God’s justice.
- Humility vs. Pride: The contrast between the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the significance of humility before God.
- Childlike Faith: Jesus’ interactions with children emphasize the necessity of approaching God with a humble and trusting heart.
- Wealth and Discipleship: The encounter with the rich ruler explores the challenges of wealth in relation to spiritual commitment.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Verses 1-8)
This parable is introduced with a clear purpose: to teach the necessity of persistent prayer. The widow, representing those who are marginalized, seeks justice from an unjust judge. Despite the judge’s initial reluctance, her persistence leads him to grant her request.
- Character of the Judge: The judge is described as lacking fear of God and respect for man, emphasizing his moral failure.
- The Widow’s Tenacity: Her unwavering determination serves as a model for believers to approach God with relentless faith.
- God’s Justice: Jesus concludes with a promise that God will bring justice to His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night, contrasting God’s character with that of the judge.
2. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Verses 9-14)
This parable contrasts two individuals in prayer, showcasing the attitudes that lead to justification before God.
- The Pharisee’s Pride: He boasts of his righteousness and adherence to the law, demonstrating self-righteousness and contempt for others.
- The Tax Collector’s Humility: In stark contrast, the tax collector acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for mercy, embodying true repentance.
- Jesus’ Teaching: The conclusion that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted, underscores the reversal of societal values in the Kingdom of God.
3. Jesus Blesses the Children (Verses 15-17)
In this section, people bring infants to Jesus for blessings, and His disciples attempt to rebuke them. Jesus responds with indignation, highlighting the importance of children in the Kingdom of God.
- Value of Children: Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child, indicating the necessity of humility and trust.
- Inclusivity of the Kingdom: This moment illustrates Jesus’ inclusive approach, welcoming the vulnerable and marginalized.
4. The Rich Ruler (Verses 18-30)
The encounter with the rich ruler raises profound questions about wealth and discipleship. The ruler asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.
- Adherence to the Law: The ruler claims to have kept the commandments since his youth, reflecting a sense of moral superiority.
- Jesus’ Challenge: Jesus challenges him to sell all he has and distribute to the poor, revealing the ruler’s attachment to wealth.
- Discipleship and Sacrifice: The passage emphasizes that true discipleship may require significant personal sacrifice, particularly for those with wealth.
- God’s Power: Jesus concludes with the statement that what is impossible with man is possible with God, emphasizing divine grace in salvation.
Conclusion
Luke Chapter 18 encapsulates critical teachings of Jesus regarding prayer, humility, and the nature of the Kingdom of God. The parables and narratives serve to challenge societal norms, urging believers to adopt a posture of humility and reliance on God’s grace. This chapter invites reflection on personal faith, the nature of true righteousness, and the radical inclusivity of Jesus’ message.
