‏ Luke 18

The Unjust Judge

In this section, Jesus tells a parable to teach us to pray always and not give up. Prayer is both a privilege and a duty for God’s people. We should keep a regular habit of prayer and also pray in hard times. Jesus especially wants us to keep praying for spiritual needs, like help against temptations or for the church in times of trouble. Even when answers seem slow, we should not quit, but trust that God hears us and will help in his perfect time.

v. 1: Jesus explains at the start that this parable is about the need to always pray and never give up (men ought always to pray, and not to faint, Luke 18:1 ^a). He wants us to keep praying, especially when we are waiting for God to answer something important in our lives or for the help of the church. We should not get tired of praying, but keep asking God for help, because he will listen.

v. 2-3: Jesus tells about a judge in a certain city who did not fear God or care about people. This means he was not moved by conscience or by what others thought of him. In that city, there was a widow who kept coming to him, asking, Avenge me of mine adversary—she wanted justice against someone who was treating her badly (Luke 18:3 ^b). Widows in those days were often defenseless and needed protection. The judge, however, ignored her for a while because she had no power or money to influence him.

–

v. 4-5: For some time, the judge refused to help the widow. But because she kept coming and did not give up, he finally said to himself, Though I do not fear God or care about men, 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 (Luke 18:4-5 ^c). Her persistence made the judge act, even though he did not care about right or wrong.

–

v. 6-7: Jesus says we should pay attention to what the unjust judge did. If even a bad judge gives in because of persistence, how much more will God, who is just and loving, answer his people when they cry out to him day and night? God’s people, called his “elect,” may face many troubles and enemies, but God cares deeply for them and will help them in his time (Luke 18:6-7 ^d). We should keep praying, even when answers are delayed.

–

v. 8: Jesus warns that, even with God’s promises, people may lose hope and stop trusting him. He asks, When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8 ^e). This means that in the last days, few people will keep real faith and keep praying as they should. Many will doubt or give up because things are hard or God’s answers seem slow. But God’s promise will still stand, even if people find it hard to believe.

The Pharisee and the Publican

This parable is aimed at those who trust in themselves for their righteousness and look down on others. Jesus wants to show their mistake and warn them that such pride shuts them out from God’s acceptance. The story contrasts two men praying at the temple, showing their very different attitudes and how God judges them.

v. 9-10: The parable is about two men who went to the temple to pray. The temple was a holy place where prayers were especially accepted. The Pharisee went to be seen by others and to show off his goodness. He wanted people to admire his devotion. The publican, a tax collector, went with a humble heart, seeking God’s mercy. Both came to the same place, but their hearts were very different (Luke 18:9-10 ^f).

–

v. 11-12: The Pharisee prayed proudly. He thanked God that he was not like other people, who he thought were sinners. He listed good things about himself: he was honest, not greedy or unjust, not an adulterer, fasted twice a week, and gave tithes of all he had. He believed these things made him righteous and thought God owed him favor for them. But his prayer was all about himself, not about God (Luke 18:11-12 ^g).

–

v. 13: In contrast, the publican stood far off and was very humble. He did not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his chest, showing sorrow for his sins. His prayer was simple and honest: God, be merciful to me, a sinner (Luke 18:13 ^h). He knew he was a sinner and asked only for God’s mercy. His prayer was true repentance and humble faith.

v. 14: Jesus says the publican went home justified, accepted by God, not the Pharisee. The proud Pharisee’s self-righteousness shut him out from God’s grace. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 18:14 ⁱ). This teaches us that true righteousness comes from humility and repentance, not from boasting about our goodness.

– – –

Riches a Spiritual Hindrance

This section records the encounter between Jesus and a rich ruler who asks how to inherit eternal life. The passage explores how wealth can be a barrier to following Jesus and entering God’s kingdom. Jesus uses this moment to teach about the difficulty of salvation for the rich, the need for wholehearted commitment, and the rewards for those who put God first. The conversation also provides important lessons for all who want eternal life.

v. 18: A certain ruler asked Jesus, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”This question shows he wanted to know the way to heaven. He respected Jesus as a teacher and believed in life after death (Luke 18:18 ^j).

v. 19: Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? None is good, except one, that is, God.”Jesus wanted the ruler to think about what he meant by “good.” If he called Jesus good, did he believe Jesus was from God—or even God Himself? Jesus reminded him that true goodness comes from God alone (Luke 18:19 ^k).

v. 20: Jesus continued, “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour your father and your mother.”Jesus pointed the man to God’s law. He reminded him that obeying God’s commands is essential for eternal life (Luke 18:20 ^l).

v. 21: The ruler replied, “All these have I kept from my youth up.”He believed he had obeyed all these commandments since he was young. Like many people, he thought he was innocent because he didn’t realize the full spiritual meaning of the law (Luke 18:21 ^m).

v. 22: Jesus said, “Yet you lack one thing: sell all you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”Jesus knew the man’s heart. He challenged him to give up his wealth and follow Jesus completely. This test showed whether the ruler loved God more than his possessions (Luke 18:22 ⁿ).

v. 23: When the ruler heard this, he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich.He wanted eternal life, but he was not willing to give up his wealth. His love for his riches kept him from following Jesus (Luke 18:23 ^o).

v. 24: Jesus saw his sadness and said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!”Jesus taught that being rich can make it very difficult to put God first and enter heaven (Luke 18:24 ^p).

v. 25: He added, “It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”This saying means it is extremely difficult for rich people to be saved, because riches can control their hearts (Luke 18:25 ^q).

v. 26: The people who heard this said, “Who then can be saved?”They wondered if anyone could be saved, since it is so hard for people to let go of earthly things (Luke 18:26 ^r).

v. 27: Jesus replied, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”Only God’s power can change people’s hearts and help them give up anything that stops them from following Him (Luke 18:27 ^s).

v. 28: Peter said, “See, we have left all, and followed you.”Peter and the other disciples had given up everything for Jesus, and he wanted to know if they would be rewarded (Luke 18:28 ^t).

v. 29: Jesus answered, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,”—God will remember every sacrifice made for Him (Luke 18:29 ^u).

v. 30: “Who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the world to come eternal life.”Jesus promised that those who put God first will receive blessings in this life—and eternal life in the next (Luke 18:30 ^v).

Jesus Foretells His Suffering and Resurrection

v. 31: Jesus took the twelve aside and said, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.” Here, Christ gives his disciples advance notice of his approaching sufferings and death, so that when the time comes, it may be less of a shock and terror to them. He speaks with perfect foreknowledge, knowing exactly what awaits him. Notice especially that he presents his sufferings as the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Everything written by the prophets about the Messiah—especially the hardships he must endure—will come to pass. This shows that the Old Testament is truly the word of God, for its prophecies are fulfilled exactly. It also proves that Jesus is the promised Messiah, for all that was foretold about him is verified in his life and death. Christ was willing to endure anything so that not one word of Scripture would fail. This gives honor to the cross and removes its offense: “Thus it was written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer.” (1 Peter 1:11 ^w)

v. 32: “For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the ignominy and disgrace he will suffer. Not only will he be mocked, but he will be “spitefully treated”—loaded with contempt and all possible reproach. This fulfills what was foretold in Isaiah: “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.” (Isaiah 50:6 ^x) This part of his suffering was necessary to satisfy God’s justice for the dishonor our sin has done to God’s name.

v. 33: “And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” Jesus always includes the promise of his resurrection when he speaks of his death. This takes away both the terror and the shame of his sufferings. The cross is not the end—glory will follow.

v. 34: “But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” The disciples could not comprehend what Jesus was telling them. Their expectations of the Messiah’s glory were so strong that they could not accept the idea of his suffering and death. This was a mystery to them—a riddle they could not solve. They had read the Old Testament many times, but never saw that the Messiah would be disgraced and killed. They focused only on the prophecies of his glory and overlooked those of his suffering. This is a warning to us: we make mistakes when we read our Bibles selectively, paying attention only to the “smooth things” and ignoring the hard truths. We must receive the whole counsel of God, not just the parts that fit our preferences. When we expect only ease and glory, we are unprepared for tribulation and persecution, even though Scripture plainly tells us that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

The Healing of the Blind Man Near Jericho

v. 35: As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. This man was not only blind but also poor, having nothing to live on and no one to support him. He is a fitting picture of the world of mankind—spiritually poor and blind, in need of Christ’s healing and salvation (Revelation 3:17 ^y). He sat begging because he could not work for his living. Note: Those whom God’s providence has disabled from earning their own bread should be cared for by charity. We must not overlook such people, for Christ himself showed kindness to a common beggar.

v. 36: Hearing a crowd passing by, the blind man asked what was happening. This detail is unique to Luke and teaches us the value of being inquisitive. Those who lack one sense should make better use of another. When we cannot see, we should listen and ask questions, making use of others’ eyes. By asking, the blind man learned that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by (v. 37). It is good to be in Christ’s way and not to miss opportunities to seek him.

–

v. 38: He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” His prayer is full of faith and fervency. He acknowledges Jesus as the Son of David—the promised Messiah—and believes he is able to help him. He earnestly begs for mercy: “Have mercy on me, pardon my sin, pity my misery.” Christ is a merciful King; those who come to him as the Son of David will find him gracious. When we pray, “Have mercy on us,” we ask enough, for Christ’s mercy includes all we need.

v. 39: Those who led the way rebuked him, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who truly desire Christ’s blessings will not be discouraged by opposition or rebuke. The more he was told to be silent, the louder he cried. This teaches us to be persistent and importunate in prayer. As Jesus taught earlier in this chapter, “men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

v. 40: Jesus stopped and commanded the man to be brought to him. Christ is more compassionate to distressed supplicants than any of his followers. Though he was on a journey, he paused to show mercy. Those who had rebuked the blind man now had to help bring him to Jesus. Note: Christ welcomes those whom others overlook or discourage.

v. 41: Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Though Christ knows all our needs, he wants us to express them to him. By stating our case before God, we learn to value the mercy we seek. The blind man replied, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” We should be specific in our prayers, especially in times of special need.

v. 42: Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” The prayer of faith, grounded in Christ’s promises, will not go unanswered. True faith produces fervency in prayer, and together they bring abundant blessings from Christ. It is doubly sweet to receive mercy in this way—when we are saved by faith.

v. 43: Immediately, the man received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God. All the people who saw it also praised God. The grace of Christ should be thankfully acknowledged, to the glory of God. The healed man followed Christ, giving him honor, and the crowd joined in praise. We must give thanks to God not only for mercies to ourselves but also for mercies to others.