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Journey Through the Bible

Luke 18:1-43

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.

Cross References for Luke 18:1-43

Genesis 18:27 - Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am... Click to read the verse Genesis 18:27 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:27

Jeremiah 29:12 - Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:12 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:12

Psalms 116:2 - Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Click to read the verse Psalms 116:2 Click to read the verse Psalms 116:2

Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mi... Click to read the verse Ephesians 6:18 Click to read the verse Ephesians 6:18

Genesis 18:31 - Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be... Click to read the verse Genesis 18:31 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:31

Matthew 7:7 - “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to ... Click to read the verse Matthew 7:7 Click to read the verse Matthew 7:7

Psalms 102:17 - He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Click to read the verse Psalms 102:17 Click to read the verse Psalms 102:17

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,... Click to read the verse Philippians 4:6 Click to read the verse Philippians 4:6

Psalms 65:2 - O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. Click to read the verse Psalms 65:2 Click to read the verse Psalms 65:2

Daniel 6:20 - When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the l... Click to read the verse Daniel 6:20 Click to read the verse Daniel 6:20

Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestl... Click to read the verse Colossians 4:12 Click to read the verse Colossians 4:12

Matthew 26:44 - So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Click to read the verse Matthew 26:44 Click to read the verse Matthew 26:44

Luke 21:36 - Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, an... Click to read the verse Luke 21:36 Click to read the verse Luke 21:36

Jonah 2:7 - “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy ... Click to read the verse Jonah 2:7 Click to read the verse Jonah 2:7

Matthew 6:5 - Prayer “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the... Click to read the verse Matthew 6:5 Click to read the verse Matthew 6:5

Psalms 123:2 - As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand ... Click to read the verse Psalms 123:2 Click to read the verse Psalms 123:2

Exodus 17:11 - As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his ha... Click to read the verse Exodus 17:11 Click to read the verse Exodus 17:11

Colossians 4:2 - Further Instructions Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Click to read the verse Colossians 4:2 Click to read the verse Colossians 4:2

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; ... Click to read the verse Isaiah 40:31 Click to read the verse Isaiah 40:31

Psalms 55:16-17 - But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Click to read the verse Psalms 55:16-17 Click to read the verse Psalms 55:16-17

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - pray continually; Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:17

1 Timothy 5:5 - The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 5:5 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 5:5

Acts 10:2 - He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and pray... Click to read the verse Acts 10:2 Click to read the verse Acts 10:2

Acts 1:14 - They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesu... Click to read the verse Acts 1:14 Click to read the verse Acts 1:14

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do n... Click to read the verse Galatians 6:9 Click to read the verse Galatians 6:9

2 Thessalonians 3:13 - And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. Click to read the verse 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Click to read the verse 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Romans 1:9 - God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how con... Click to read the verse Romans 1:9 Click to read the verse Romans 1:9

Psalms 27:4 - One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all... Click to read the verse Psalms 27:4 Click to read the verse Psalms 27:4

1 Kings 18:43 - “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 18:43 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 18:43

Psalms 27:13 - I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Click to read the verse Psalms 27:13 Click to read the verse Psalms 27:13

2 Kings 6:33 - While he was still talking to them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This di... Click to read the verse 2 Kings 6:33 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 6:33

1 Samuel 1:12 - As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 1:12 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 1:12

Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Click to read the verse Romans 12:12 Click to read the verse Romans 12:12

Acts 12:5 - So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Click to read the verse Acts 12:5 Click to read the verse Acts 12:5

1 Kings 8:28 - Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 8:28 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 8:28

Psalms 86:3 - Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Click to read the verse Psalms 86:3 Click to read the verse Psalms 86:3

Genesis 32:9-12 - Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O Lord, who said to me,... Click to read the verse Genesis 32:9-12 Click to read the verse Genesis 32:9-12

Job 27:10 - Will he find delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? Click to read the verse Job 27:10 Click to read the verse Job 27:10

2 Corinthians 4:1 - Treasures in Jars of Clay Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not... Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 4:1 Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 4:1

Job 15:4 - But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. Click to read the verse Job 15:4 Click to read the verse Job 15:4

Job 27:8-10 - For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? Click to read the verse Job 27:8-10 Click to read the verse Job 27:8-10

Hebrews 12:3-5 - Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and l... Click to read the verse Hebrews 12:3-5 Click to read the verse Hebrews 12:3-5

Revelation 2:3 - You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Click to read the verse Revelation 2:3 Click to read the verse Revelation 2:3

Luke 18:39 - Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son o... Click to read the verse Luke 18:39 Click to read the verse Luke 18:39

Joel 1:19 - To you, O Lord, I call, for fire has devoured the open pastures and flames have burned up all t... Click to read the verse Joel 1:19 Click to read the verse Joel 1:19

Mark 14:39 - Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. Click to read the verse Mark 14:39 Click to read the verse Mark 14:39

Genesis 32:24-26 - So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Click to read the verse Genesis 32:24-26 Click to read the verse Genesis 32:24-26

Luke 11:10 - For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be ope... Click to read the verse Luke 11:10 Click to read the verse Luke 11:10

Luke 11:5-9 - Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says... Click to read the verse Luke 11:5-9 Click to read the verse Luke 11:5-9

Psalms 142:5-7 - I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Click to read the verse Psalms 142:5-7 Click to read the verse Psalms 142:5-7