Luke Chapter Eighteen
Parable of the Persistent Widow
18:1 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?”
Continuing in His teaching to the disciples, Jesus switches to the subject of prayer using a parable about a persistent woman. Before recording the parable, Luke summarizes the lesson. That one should always pray without losing heart (giving up). The parable begins in a city with a judge who never feared God nor respected others. Next we hear that a widow from the same city regularly visited the judge saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while the judge refused her request, but then later thought that even though he doesn’t fear God nor respect man, this widow is seriously bothering him, so he changes his mind and gives her the justice she has been asking for to prevent her from wearing him down with her persistent visits. The judge was not only corrupt, he was proud of the fact that he didn’t fear God nor did he respect his fellow human beings (see verse four). He undoubtedly had a reputation of being less than honest, perhaps that was the reason why the widow was pursuing justice, he was known for his dishonesty. Jesus tells His disciples to listen to what the unrighteous judge said, and then asked, “Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” This parable is of contrast, not a comparison, as Jesus explains that God, who is not corrupt, will give justice to those that ask quickly. Returning to the subject of His second coming, Jesus asks, when He returns, will He find faith on earth? (See Considerations below)
This lesson focused on two things, being persistent and the need for justice (Greek ‘ekdikeō’,[1] to defend one’s cause, maintain one’s right, bring justice by rejecting an incorrect accusation). Luke helps us interpret the lesson when he began with the lesson’s summary. If something is important enough to be prayed for, no one should give up hope, keep praying! The subject of prayer baffles many Christians as there are several potential responses to our prayers. But God does hear every prayer and we need to retain focus (don’t be distracted or discouraged) and be persistent in all of our prayers (but remember God’s timing may be different than ours).
Considerations
What did Luke mean when he referred to “losing heart?” The parable points to the need to persevere, not just in prayer, but in all things related to the kingdom of God. When Jesus asked, when He returns (referring to His second coming), will He find faith on earth? He was noting that some may become so fatigued in their Christian walk that they would be willing to compromise serving God. To the extent that by the time He returns, faith in Him has the potential of being minimal if not gone completely. That is why perseverance is so important, but not through human efforts, but by putting all things in the hand of God. If God remains the source of our energy (both physically and Spiritually), then fatigue or doubt will not set in. The Bible tells us that fatigue is the type of weakness that Satan is waiting to exploit (see Matthew 13:19; Ephesians 4:14, 27; 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8-9). James would remind us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8b)
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
18:9 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.”
In addition to being persistent in prayer, Jesus identifies the most important element in any prayer and that is the prayer’s heart (words are secondary). Luke notes that Jesus’ audience consisted of those that only trusted in themselves, being self-absorbed and self-righteous, all other people were treated with contempt (possibly the same Pharisees mentioned in Luke 17:20). In this next parable, two men on their way to the Temple to pray are introduced, one is a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stands by himself and begins his prayer by thanking God that he is not like other men, those that are extortioners, unjust towards others, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. The Pharisee then boasts that he is faithful to God as he fasts twice a week and gives tithes of all he gets. But the tax collector, who was standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven. While beating his breast he pleads with God, “Be merciful to me, a sinner!” Jesus then explains, it was the tax collector that came home justified (declared righteous), not the Pharisee. This revelation would not have only upset the Pharisees listening, it would surprise most Jews as many considered their lineage sufficient for salvation or that strict obedience in pursuit of righteousness was necessary, of which the Pharisees were known and revered for.
Pharisees viewed Scripture from an extremely legalistic perspective. They saw the law as being an inflexible absolute, which to their credit, it really is. But they made two major mistakes in their interpretation. The first being that God was so rigid without love and compassion that He demanded absolute obedience regardless of situation. The second was that they thought that compliance of the law was of greater importance than their personal attitudes (they thought that their actions spoke louder than their hearts). Instead of loving God and seeking Him and His righteousness, they were motivated to pursue their own ‘brand’ of self-righteousness.
Once again Jesus proclaims, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (see also Luke 14:11). For example, whenever a person begins to admire their own accomplishments, they soon elevate themselves above others and believe that life is about them and what they can do, resulting in them taking their eyes completely off God. If one exalts himself in this manner, when they die without accepting Jesus, they will be humbled in their being condemned for eternity. However, if they accepted Jesus and were humble servants of His, they will be saved and exalted in heaven.
Let the Children Come!
[Text parallels Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16]
18:15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked 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.”
Luke does not record where or when this event took place, however it was likely between Galilee and Judea while Jesus was heading south to Jerusalem. People were bringing children of all ages to Jesus so that He might touch them and receive a blessing from Him, including infants. When the disciples saw what was going on, they tried to stop it and rebuked the parents. But Jesus told them to, “Let the children come, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Many question why the disciples were indignant, perhaps they thought that Jesus’ time would be better served healing those that were in greater need (some suggest that they were just impatient). Jesus explains that a child-like belief is what every believer needs in order to enter the kingdom of God.[2]
The Rich Ruler
[Text parallels Matthew 19:16-30 and Mark 10:17-31]
18:18 And 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.
Luke identifies this person as a ruler (Greek ‘archōn’,[3] chief, prince, magistrate). In both Matthew’s and Mark’s accounts this person is only identified as a man with great wealth. He first calls Jesus a “good teacher,” and then asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus, in reply, asks, “Why do you call me good?” Many miss why Jesus asked this question, He was acknowledging the man’s belief that Jesus was more than another man and that is likely why the ruler approached Him to answer his inquiry regarding life after death.
18:20 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.”
Jesus asked the man if he knew and kept the commandments, and then mentioned five of the Ten Commandments. The ruler said that he had kept the commandments since he was a young boy. Knowing everything about this man, Jesus tells him that there is one thing that he lacked. He was to sell all that he had and distribute his wealth to the poor, so that he will have treasure in heaven and then come and follow Him. When the ruler heard this he became distraught, as he was very wealthy. Jesus noticed the man’s sadness and said that that it was difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus then used the exaggerated illustration of a camel going through the eye of a needle as hyperbole to explain that it is essentially impossible for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.[4]
18:26 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.”
When those that heard what Jesus said about it being nearly impossible for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom of God, they were astonished (because they were taught that wealth was an indicator that God had blessed that person) and quickly asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus then answers with one of the more revealing verses in the Bible, perhaps the most profound, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Mankind cannot save mankind, period! But God can[5] and will!
Perhaps confused by this revelation, Peter quickly breaks in saying to Jesus, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” Peter was essentially asking, “What about us?” They gave up their careers (no wealth) and their belongings to follow Him. Jesus reassures them that they will be fine, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” (Verses 29b-30, NLT)
Last Warning Regarding What Awaits in Jerusalem
[Text parallels Matthew 20:17-19 and Mark 10:32-34]
18:31 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 after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Jesus once again gives His disciples a “heads up” warning regarding what they will soon witness in Jerusalem (see Luke 9:22, 43b-45).[6] He tells them that in fulfillment of prophecy that He will be delivered to the Gentiles (in this scenario, the Romans) and He will be mocked and shamefully treated, including being spit on. When they are finished flogging Him, they will have Him executed. But on the third day He will rise from the dead. Even though the wording is straightforward, the disciples did not understand what Jesus was talking about. Luke adds that the meaning of this short discourse of Jesus’ was hidden from them. Many question if the meaning was hidden from His audience, why did Jesus say it? The audience was not just the disciples, we today are part of Jesus’ ‘extended’ audience. He referred to how these things were written about Him well in advance of them being fulfilled, which they were. Helping us see that Jesus was truly the Messiah and Savior (see below), the One prophesied to arrive. Plus, while the disciples may not have comprehended at the time, they did remember after Jesus’ resurrection that He would come back to life (see Luke 24:6, 8; John 12:16).
Considerations
Prophetic Text Overview No. 23
Jesus told His disciples that what lie ahead for them in Jerusalem is in fulfillment of prophecy written by the prophets. He specifically mentioned that He will be:
1) Handed over to the Gentiles (see Isaiah 52:10, Hebrew ‘gô·yim’[7] can be translated either ’nations’ or ‘Gentiles’).
2) Mocked (see Psalm 22:6-7; 69:9, 19-20).
3) Shamefully treated (see Psalm 22:6, 18; Isaiah 53:3).
4) Spit upon (see Isaiah 50:6).
5) Flogged (see Psalm 69:26; Isaiah 53:4-5).
6) Killed (see Isaiah 53:5; Daniel 9:26; Zechariah 12:10).
7) On the third day rise (see Genesis 22:4; 42:18; Exodus 19:16; Joshua 2:16; Ezra 8:32; Esther 5:1; Hosea 6:2; Jonah 2:1)[8].
8) The eighth fulfilled prophecy mentioned would be the location where all this occurred, in Jerusalem (see Isaiah 52:9; Zechariah 12:10).
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
[Text parallels Matthew 20:29-34 and Mark 10:46-52]
18:35 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.
Luke records that while Jesus was coming near the town of Jericho a blind man could hear a crowd approaching, so he called out asking what was going on. He was told, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” The blind man apparently knew who Jesus was as he cries out to Him, calling Him the “Son of David,” a title that identifies Him as the Messiah.[9] The man loudly pleads Jesus for mercy. The crowd immediately tries to silence him, but the man yelled out even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and asked that the man be brought to Him. He asked the man what he wanted[10] and the man said that he wanted to see again. Jesus spoke, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well,” and the man’s sight was immediately restored. The man then joined the crowd following Jesus, glorifying God. Those that observed the miracle praised God.
Both Matthew and Mark record that Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho when they encountered a blind man. In Matthew’s account there were two blind men that were healed. These apparent discrepancies are often used as evidence by those who attempt to discredit the gospels.[11]
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[1] Strong’s Greek 1556.
[2] See commentaries under Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16.
[3] Strong’s Greek 758.
[4] See commentaries under Matthew 19:16-22 and Mark 10:17-22.
[5] See commentaries under Matthew 19:23-26, 27-30 and Mark 10:23-31.
[6] Both Matthew and Luke record an indirect reference to Jesus’s death (see Matthew 12:38-42; Luke 11:29-32), making this the fourth time Jesus spoke about His death.
[7] Strong’s Hebrew 1471.
[8] See also Considerations under Matthew 12:38-42 regarding "Three Days and Three Nights."
[9] See commentary under Matthew 9:27-31 regarding the title “Son of David.”
[10] See Considerations under Matthew 20:29-34 regarding "Why Ask?"
[11] See commentary under Matthew 20:29-34 regarding the differences between the gospel accounts and the commentary under Mark 10:46-52.