Imagine being a widow in a city where no one seems to care about your plight. In Luke 18, Jesus tells a story that highlights the power of perseverance in prayer when faced with injustice.
The Reading: Luke 18
World English Bible1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,
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2 saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man.
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3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
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4 He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,
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5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
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6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.
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7 Won’t God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
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8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
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9 He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.
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10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
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11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
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12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’
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13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
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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 he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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15 They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
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16 Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
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17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
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18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
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19 Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God.
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20 You know the commandments: ‘Don’t commit adultery,’ ‘Don’t murder,’ ‘Don’t steal,’ ‘Don’t give false testimony,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
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21 He said, “I have observed all these things from my youth up.”
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22 When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me.”
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23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.
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24 Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!
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25 For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
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26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”
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27 But he said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
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28 Peter said, “Look, we have left everything, and followed you.”
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29 He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for God’s Kingdom’s sake,
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30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life.”
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31 He took the twelve aside, and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed.
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32 For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on.
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33 They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.”
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34 They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t understand the things that were said.
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35 As he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road, begging.
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36 Hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant.
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37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
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38 He cried out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!”
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39 Those who led the way rebuked him, that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”
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40 Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him,
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41 “What do you want me to do?” He said, “Lord, that I may see again.”
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42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you.”
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43 Immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge
Jesus begins with a parable about a widow who is desperately seeking justice from a judge who doesn't fear God or care about people. This judge initially ignores her, but her relentless requests eventually wear him down. He decides to grant her justice just to get her off his back.
Jesus uses this story to illustrate that if an unjust judge can be swayed by persistence, how much more will God respond to the cries of His chosen ones? He emphasizes that God listens to our prayers, even when it feels like He is delayed.
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Next, Jesus contrasts two men praying at the temple - a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector. The Pharisee boasts about his righteousness and good deeds, while the tax collector stands at a distance, beating his chest, pleading for mercy. Jesus reveals a shocking truth: the tax collector, despite his sins, is the one who leaves justified before God.
The Children and the Kingdom
As Jesus continues teaching, people bring their babies for Him to bless. The disciples try to shoo them away, but Jesus welcomes the children, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child - full of trust and wonder.
The Rich Ruler
A rich ruler approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give to the poor, which makes the ruler sad because he has great wealth. Jesus then comments on how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, famously saying it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to be saved.
Blind Bartimaeus
Finally, as Jesus nears Jericho, a blind man hears the commotion and cries out for Jesus' mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, he persists and calls out even louder. Jesus stops and asks what he wants, and the blind man simply wants to see. Jesus heals him, and the man rejoices, glorifying God.
This chapter showcases Jesus' teachings on faith, humility, and God's unwavering compassion.
Why It Matters
The Power of Persistence
The parable of the widow reminds us that persistence in prayer is essential. When we feel unheard or discouraged, we can take heart knowing that God is attentive to our needs.
Humility Over Pride
The stark contrast between the Pharisee and the tax collector teaches us that humility is key to our relationship with God. It's not about our good deeds but our recognition of our need for grace.
Childlike Faith
Jesus' welcome to the children emphasizes the importance of approaching God with innocence and trust. In a world filled with doubts and complexities, embracing childlike faith can open our hearts to the divine.
Wealth and Spirituality
The rich ruler's story serves as a cautionary tale about the spiritual dangers of wealth. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities and consider what we might need to let go of for deeper faith.
For those seeking community and support on this journey of faith, find a church near you. Connecting with others can enrich your spiritual experience and offer guidance.
Coming Up Next: Luke 19
In the next part of our journey through the New Testament, Luke 19, we'll encounter a remarkable figure named Zacchaeus and witness the transformative power of Jesus' love. Don't miss it!