GOSPEL OF LUKE: Chapter 18

Luke 18:1-8  The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged.... For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or respect people, 5 yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!’”  (GNT: 1, 4-5)
       I remembered just reading this passage last month as I read through Max Lucado's book, Before Amen.  This was the example for Persistent Prayer...patiently beseeching God        From The Voice commentary:  Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom of God will not come through valiant efforts but as people pray, 'may Your kingdom come," with persistence and with humility.  

Luke 18:9-14 The Tax Man and the Pharisee
He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people....Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”  (MSG:9,14)

     From Faith in Action Bible commentary:  "The prayer God hears is the call for mercy.  Jesus explained why, stating one of the wonderful topsy-turvy principles that characterize the Christian value system: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but the humble will be lifted up.    
     "Would you characterize yourself as humble?  Humility is hard to discuss, because by its very nature it doesn't talk about itself.  It simply gets out there and serve, often sacrificially and anonymously.  It doesn't claim rights but tries to do what's right.  It doesn't brag about integrity but demonstrates honesty.  Sometimes Christians confuse humility with self-deprecation - an apologetic, timid approach to life.  On the contrary, the truly humble Christian exudes a God-given joy and confidence that are attractive and inviting."  (p.1719)

Luke 18:15-17   Jesus and the Children
Some people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so, 16 but Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  (GNT)
     Three verses that have inspired thousands of paintings and leave us with an image of a gentle Jesus, a reminder of the approach to God that reaps rewards beyond measure.  Children were also one of society's outcasts - too young to contribute, seen but not heard type of attitude.  Jesus gives them value and worth in his invitation.  
     Picture a child with a parent walking side by side, trusting and confident.  That's our relationship with God.  

Luke 18:18-30  The Rich Man

“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23 This was the last thing the official expected to hear. He was very rich and became terribly sad. He was holding on tight to a lot of things and not about to let them go.

24-25 Seeing his reaction, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who have it all to enter God’s kingdom? I’d say it’s easier to thread a camel through a needle’s eye than get a rich person into God’s kingdom.” (MSG:22-25)

     Jesus isn't so much testing the rich man's works but probing his heart and his fundamental allegiance to God.  The central issue isn't in selling everything in order to know God.  Where does my trust reside?  Is my wealth mine or God's in trust?  Do I use my wealth to further God's kingdom or for my own security and safety?  How well can I go through the eye of the needle?  

Luke 18:35-43  The Blind Man

Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought over. When he had come near, Jesus asked, “What do you want from me?”

41 He said, “Master, I want to see again.”

42-43 Jesus said, “Go ahead—see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!” The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing—and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God. (MSG:40-43)

     The blind man risked social rebuke to gain what he knew Jesus had the power to grant.  His faith was strong.  His commitment to get what he needed, to make possible the impossible, was strong.  Jesus opened his eyes, and the sighted believer followed him in praise and glory.  The blind man gained sight, but he also gained recognition and the power to share the message with others.