Luke18

Jesus teaches on persistent prayer through the parable of the unjust judge and on humility through the parable of the Pharisee and publican. He welcomes children, stating that the Kingdom of God belongs to such. Jesus challenges a rich ruler to forsake his possessions for eternal life, foretells his own suffering, and heals a blind man whose faith saves him.

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The Parable of the Persistent Widow

And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;

saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man:

and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and yet he is longsuffering over them?

I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.

But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.

I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Jesus Welcomes the Children

And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

The Rich Ruler and Eternal Life

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, even God.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother.

And he said, All these things have I observed from my youth up.

And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.

And Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

And they that heard it said, Then who can be saved?

But he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

And Peter said, Lo, we have left our own, and followed thee.

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,

who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come eternal life.

Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Resurrection

And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man.

For he shall be delivered up unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon:

and they shall scourge and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, and they perceived not the things that were said.

Healing the Blind Man near Jericho

And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Study Notes for Luke 18

Verse 1

This verse states the central purpose of the parable: to teach the necessity of enduring prayer and perseverance, specifically in the face of delay or perceived injustice.

Verse 2

The judge is characterized by moral depravity, representing the antithesis of God. This contrast highlights that if even an unjust judge responds to persistence, how much more will the righteous God respond.

Verse 3

Widows were among the most vulnerable members of first-century society, emphasizing her total lack of power and her desperate need for justice.

Verse 7

A strong assurance of divine intervention. God will certainly vindicate His 'elect' (those chosen by Him), though He may 'bear long' (act patiently) before the final judgment.

Verse 8

The question challenges the disciples regarding the nature of faith required for the end times. Speedily refers to the certainty of vindication, though the timing may seem delayed to believers.

Verse 9

This parable is addressed specifically to those who rely on their own religious performance while looking down on others, addressing the sin of spiritual pride.

Verse 11

The Pharisee’s prayer is self-congratulatory rather than a plea for God’s grace. The phrase 'prayed thus with himself' suggests his words were for his own benefit, not truly directed toward God.

Verse 13

The publican (tax collector) displays true humility and repentance. Smoting the breast was a physical expression of deep grief and contrition over sin.

Verse 14

Justified means to be declared righteous by God. This man was accepted because he humbly sought mercy, demonstrating that justification comes through dependence on God, not religious merit.

Verse 15

Bringing infants to Jesus was likely for a blessing or prayer. The disciples’ rebuke reflects a common view that Jesus should not be bothered with matters considered trivial.

Verse 17

Entering the kingdom requires the attitude of a child: complete trust, dependence, and lack of pretense or self-sufficiency.

Verse 18

This man was a 'ruler,' indicating high status, wealth, and authority. His question shows genuine concern for achieving eternal life through personal effort.

Verse 19

Jesus challenges the ruler’s premise, forcing him to consider whether he recognizes Jesus' true divine nature, or simply views him as a human teacher.

Verse 22

Jesus confronts the ruler’s true obstacle: his wealth. The command to 'sell all' was a specific test revealing his idolatry, not a universal requirement for salvation.

Verse 25

This hyperbole emphasizes the extreme difficulty for those who rely on their earthly riches, treating them as a form of security, to enter the kingdom.

Verse 27

This key theological statement affirms that salvation is not a human achievement but a gift made possible only by the sovereign power of God.

Verse 31

This is the third and most detailed of Jesus’ predictions of the Passion in Luke, emphasizing that His suffering fulfills the divine plan laid out by the prophets.

Verse 34

The disciples were blinded by their expectation of a conquering, political Messiah. Their failure to understand demonstrates the profound spiritual nature of Jesus' mission.

Verse 35

This miracle occurs as Jesus approaches Jericho on His final journey to Jerusalem, serving as a powerful demonstration of His messianic authority just before His entrance into the city.

Verse 38

Calling Jesus 'Son of David' is a clear declaration of faith in His messianic identity, recognizing Him as the promised King of Israel.

Verse 42

Jesus attributes the healing to the man’s faith. The term 'saved' (Greek: *sesōken*) implies both physical healing and spiritual restoration.

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Luke18

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Jesus Welcomes the Children

The Rich Ruler and Eternal Life

Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Resurrection

Healing the Blind Man near Jericho

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