LUKE 18
JESUS CONTINUES TO TEACH + TRAVEL TOWARDS JERUSALEM
Jesus shares a parable about a widow who persistently pursued justice from a judge, encouraging us to always pray and not lose heart. The judge in the parable was not a follower of Jesus or a believer in God, but still did what was right because of the woman’s relentlessness. How much more attentive will God be to the requests of His people? Jesus teaches that God will speedily bring justice to the Earth.
In the presence of both the righteous and sinners, Jesus tells a story of a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prayed, thanking God for his righteousness and recounting his own acts of faithfulness, such as fasting and tithing. The prayer of the Pharisee honored himself more than it honored God, showing his prideful and arrogant nature. The tax collector's prayer was one of repentance and desperation. The tax collector asked God for mercy and called himself a sinner. Jesus says that this prayer is the most justified among the two because the tax collector recognizes his need for forgiveness. Using the same words as Luke 14, He says that whoever exalts themselves will be humbled and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted.
The Pharisees are confused and rebuke people for bringing their children before Jesus. In response, Jesus calls out to the people and lets the children come to Him. He is not bothered or burdened by the children, but appreciates their childlike faith and wants God’s people to receive the kingdom of heaven like a small child, with curiosity and awe.
Jesus is questioned by a rich ruler about how to enter into eternal life. Because the Old Testament rarely references eternal life, the man addresses Him directly. First, Jesus asks the man to keep the law, and the man agrees. Next, He asks him to sell all that he has and give it to those in need. When hearing this request, the man becomes sad and withdrawn. He wants to follow Jesus, but does not want to give up his possessions.
Jesus, seeing the man’s sadness, points out how wealth can be a barrier to following God and trusting in His provision. He says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a wealthy person to enter God’s kingdom, but what is impossible for man is possible for God.
With the twelve disciples, Jesus explains that He will soon be arrested, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed. All of these events will fulfill the teachings of the prophets, but the disciples do not understand what He is explaining.
As Jesus travels near Jericho, a blind man is begging on the side of the road. Upon hearing that Jesus is nearby, the man cries out for help. Despite being rebuked by the people, the man continues to call for Him. Jesus asks the man what he desires and restores his sight to him.
