Luke 18 Jesus Teaches About Humility

1 The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.

3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men,

5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’”

6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says.

7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

9 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

15 The Little Children and Jesus
People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

18 The Rich Ruler
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”

21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.

22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!

25 Indeed, 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 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”

29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God

30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”

31 Jesus Again Predicts His Death
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.

32 He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him.

33 On the third day he will rise again.”

34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

35 A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.

36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.

37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,

41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”

43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

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Analysis of Luke Chapter 18

Luke Chapter 18 is a profound and multifaceted chapter in the New Testament, offering a range of teachings, parables, and interactions of Jesus that are rich with theological, moral, and spiritual insights. This chapter includes the Parable of the Persistent Widow, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus’ teachings on receiving the kingdom of God like a child, the narrative of the rich ruler, and Jesus’ prediction of His death and resurrection. The chapter concludes with the healing of a blind beggar near Jericho. Let’s delve into the detailed analysis of each section to uncover the depth of its messages.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

Luke 18:1-8 narrates the Parable of the Persistent Widow, aiming to teach about the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. This parable begins with Jesus emphasizing the necessity of always praying and not giving up.

Persistence in Prayer: The widow, representing a figure of vulnerability and societal marginalization, continuously approaches an unjust judge to seek justice against her adversary. Although he initially refuses, the judge ultimately grants her justice due to her persistence. The parable illustrates the effectiveness of persistent prayer and encourages believers to be steadfast in their petitions to God, even when responses are not immediate.
Character of God: In contrast to the unjust judge, God is depicted as a righteous and just judge who desires to provide justice for His chosen ones. If an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a just and loving God respond to the prayers of His people?
Faith’s Role: Jesus concludes by questioning whether the Son of Man will find faith on the earth when He returns. This emphasizes the link between persistent prayer and enduring faith. Faith is not passive but active, marked by continual trust and reliance on God.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

This parable is directed at those who are confident in their own righteousness and look down on others. It contrasts the attitudes and prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray.

Self-Righteousness vs. Humility: The Pharisee’s prayer is filled with self-righteousness and pride. He boasts about his own moral achievements and looks down upon the tax collector. In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance and expresses genuine humility and repentance, beating his chest and pleading for God’s mercy.
God’s Favor: Jesus declares that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. This illustrates that God values humility and repentance over self-righteousness. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Inner Transformation: This parable teaches that true righteousness is a matter of the heart and not merely external adherence to religious practices. It challenges believers to self-reflect and embrace a posture of humility before God.

Jesus and the Little Children (Luke 18:15-17)

This brief yet significant passage highlights Jesus’ interaction with little children and His teaching on receiving the kingdom of God with child-like faith.

Accessibility of Jesus: People bring infants to Jesus, and although the disciples rebuke them, Jesus welcomes the children. This underscores Jesus’ openness and accessibility to all, regardless of age or social status.
Child-like Faith: Jesus states that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children. He emphasizes that one must receive the kingdom with the same attributes as a child – trust, humility, and openness. Child-like faith is marked by dependence on God, simplicity, and the absence of arrogance.

The Rich Ruler (Luke 18:18-30)

This narrative features a rich ruler who approaches Jesus to inquire about what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ response delves into the relationship between wealth, obedience to God’s commandments, and the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom.

Commandments and Heart’s Condition: When the ruler affirms his adherence to the commandments, Jesus challenges him to sell all he has, distribute the money to the poor, and then follow Him. This requirement goes beyond mere legalistic observance to the heart’s condition and complete devotion to God.
Attachment to Wealth: The ruler’s sorrowful departure reveals his attachment to material wealth, which becomes an obstacle to fully following Jesus. This illustrates the difficulty for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God, as wealth can foster self-reliance and hinder dependence on God.
Kingdom Values: Jesus assures that those who sacrifice possessions and relationships for the kingdom of God will receive abundant blessings in this life and in the age to come, eternal life. The values of the kingdom often contrast with worldly values, emphasizing sacrificial living and prioritizing spiritual over material riches.
Divine Possibility: Jesus’ statement, “What is impossible with man is possible with God,” highlights the divine empowerment required to overcome challenges such as wealth’s allure and live in alignment with kingdom principles.

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time (Luke 18:31-34)

In this section, Jesus takes the Twelve aside and predicts His impending suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time. This prediction underscores His mission and the fulfillment of prophetic writings about the Messiah.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ predictions align with Old Testament prophecies about the suffering servant. He foresees being delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted, spat on, flogged, and killed, followed by His resurrection on the third day. This foreknowledge underlines the predestined nature of His redemptive work.
Disciples’ Lack of Understanding: The disciples do not grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words, reflecting their limited understanding of His messianic mission and the nature of His kingdom. This sets the stage for their later comprehension after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar (Luke 18:35-43)

This final part of the chapter recounts the healing of a blind beggar as Jesus approaches Jericho, illustrating Jesus’ compassion and the transformative power of persistent faith.

Desperation and Faith: The blind beggar, upon hearing that Jesus is passing by, cries out persistently, addressing Him as the “Son of David,” a messianic title. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he continues to call for Jesus’ attention, showcasing his desperation and faith in Jesus’ healing power.
Compassionate Response: Jesus stops, orders the beggar to be brought to Him, and inquires about his desire. The beggar’s request to see again is met with Jesus’ healing words, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” This miraculous healing emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and the direct correlation between faith and divine intervention.
Praise and Transformation: Following his healing, the beggar immediately receives his sight and praises God. His transformation leads to the collective praise of the people witnessing the miracle, highlighting the impact of personal healing on communal faith and worship.

Conclusion

Luke Chapter 18 encapsulates a rich tapestry of teachings, parables, and narratives that collectively address themes of persistent prayer, humility, child-like faith, the challenges posed by wealth, the foretold suffering of the Messiah, and the transformative power of faith. Each section interweaves to present a comprehensive and profound understanding of the kingdom of God and the attributes that characterize its recipients.

The chapter begins and ends with the importance of persistence—whether in prayer or in seeking Jesus’ help—and underscores the centrality of humility, whether in prayer or in accepting one’s dependence on God. It exalts a self-reflective, contrite heart over self-righteousness and empty formalism, challenging believers to embody sincere devotion and reliance on divine grace. Additionally, the interactions and teachings of Jesus highlight the inclusivity and counter-cultural values of the kingdom, wherein the last shall be first, and the exalted shall be humbled.

Overall, Luke Chapter 18 offers timeless lessons applicable to contemporary faith journeys, urging believers to persist in their faith, approach God with humility, prioritize spiritual over material wealth, and recognize the redemptive work of Jesus Christ as central to their lives. It invites readers to reflect deeply on their own spiritual posture and to embrace the transformative and just nature of the kingdom of God.

Understanding the Key Messages in Luke 18: Insights and Explanation

In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge, highlighting the importance of persistent prayer. He also teaches on humility using the example of a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. Jesus blesses little children and tells a rich ruler to sell his possessions to follow Him. He predicts His death and resurrection, and restores sight to a blind man. This chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, persistent prayer, and surrendering worldly wealth for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Notes

This chapter contains several important teachings of Jesus, including the parable of the persistent widow, the Pharisee and the tax collector, and the interaction with the rich ruler. The emphasis on humility and surrendering worldly wealth serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize spiritual matters over material possessions.