Luke 18

Luke 18 presents several teachings and parables of Jesus that emphasize faith, humility, and persistence in prayer. The chapter begins with the Parable of the Persistent Widow, illustrating the importance of relentless prayer and faith in God's justice. It continues with Jesus' encounters that highlight the need for humility and childlike faith, the challenges of wealth in following God, and the rewards of sacrifice. The chapter concludes with Jesus predicting His suffering, death, and resurrection, and a miraculous healing, which demonstrates His compassion and power.

Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV)
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’
4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,
5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.
7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

In this parable, Jesus emphasizes persistence in prayer. The widow's continuous appeals finally compel the unjust judge to act, despite his lack of compassion. By contrast, God, who is loving and just, listens to the pleas of His people and responds. Jesus uses the widow’s persistence to illustrate that believers should not lose heart in prayer, even when answers are delayed. He questions whether such faith will endure upon His return, underscoring the importance of unwavering trust in God’s justice.

Luke 18:9-14 (NKJV)
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’
13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise 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, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Here, Jesus contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector to teach about true righteousness. While the Pharisee boasts of his religious actions, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sins and seeks mercy. Jesus shows that God values humility and sincere repentance over pride. The tax collector’s humble heart leads to his justification before God, highlighting that exaltation comes to those who lower themselves in humility.

Luke 18:15-17 (NKJV)
15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Jesus uses the moment of blessing children to teach about the nature of true faith. By welcoming children, He reveals that the kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike qualities—trust, openness, and dependence on God. Jesus underscores that entry into the kingdom requires humility and simple faith, similar to that of a child, rather than self-sufficiency or pride.

Luke 18:18-23 (NKJV)
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. 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 this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

The rich ruler’s question about eternal life reveals his desire for assurance in his religious observance. However, Jesus challenges him to let go of his wealth, exposing the ruler’s attachment to material possessions. While he had followed the commandments, his unwillingness to part with wealth showed his dependence on it rather than on God. This encounter highlights the difficulty of wealth as an obstacle to wholehearted devotion to God.

Luke 18:24-30 (NKJV)
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches 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 man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Jesus emphasizes the challenge wealth presents to those seeking the kingdom of God. The metaphor of a camel passing through a needle’s eye illustrates the impossibility of entering the kingdom by human effort alone. In response, Jesus reassures that God can make possible what seems impossible. He also affirms the reward for those who sacrifice for the kingdom, promising blessings in this life and in eternity.

Luke 18:31-34 (NKJV)
31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.
32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.
33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.

In this passage, Jesus foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah. Although He shares these events clearly, the disciples do not grasp His words, indicating that their understanding is still limited. This prediction highlights the coming sacrifice of Jesus and the disciples' lack of readiness to comprehend the depth of His mission.

Luke 18:35-43 (NKJV)
35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.
36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.
37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him,
41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”
42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

The blind man’s persistent cry for mercy captures Jesus’ attention. Despite attempts to silence him, he continues to call out in faith, addressing Jesus as “Son of David,” a Messianic title. Jesus’ response demonstrates His compassion and power, as He heals the man through faith. The healing leads the man to follow Jesus, and the miracle inspires others to glorify God, showing the impact of Jesus’ ministry and the significance of unwavering faith.