What does Luke chapter 18 mean? (2024)

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1And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

15Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

18And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

31And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

35As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!''

6And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I 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?'

9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13But 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.'

14I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'

15People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16But 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. 17Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'

18A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'

19Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good--except God alone. 20You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.''

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

22When 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.'

23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.'

26Those who heard this asked, 'Who then can be saved?'

27Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'

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

29Truly I tell you,' Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.'

31Jesus 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. 32He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.'

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

35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.'

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

39Those 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!'

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

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

42Jesus said to him, 'Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.' 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

1Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged, 2saying, 'In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect any person. 3Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’ 4For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect any person, 5yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’?' 6And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unrighteous judge *said; 7now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them? 8I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?'

9Now He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and began praying this in regard to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, crooked, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to raise his eyes toward heaven, but was beating his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other one; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.'

15Now they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. 16But Jesus called for the little ones, saying, 'Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.'

18A ruler questioned Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' 19But Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 20You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT GIVE FALSE TESTIMONY, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’?' 21And he said, 'All these things I have kept since my youth.' 22Now when Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' 23But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy. 24And Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 25For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God!' 26Those who heard Him said, 'And so who can be saved?' 27But He said, 'The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.'

28Peter said, 'Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.' 29And He said to them, 'Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not receive many times as much at this time, and in the age to come, eternal life.'

31Now He took the twelve aside and said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that have been written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be ridiculed, and abused, and spit upon, 33and after they have flogged Him, they will kill Him; and on the third day He will rise.' 34The disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said.

35Now as Jesus was approaching Jericho, a man who was blind was sitting by the road, begging. 36But when he heard a crowd going by, he began inquiring what this was. 37They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38And he called out, saying, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' 39Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' 40And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, 41What do you want Me to do for you?' And he said, 'Lord, I want to regain my sight!' 42And Jesus said to him, 'Regain your sight; your faith has made you well.' 43And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.

1Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. 2"There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect people. 3And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'

4"For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or respect people, 5yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.' "

6Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? 8I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? "

9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: 'God, I thank you that I'm not like other people--greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.'

13"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner! ' 14I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

15People were bringing infants to him so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16Jesus, however, invited them: "Let the little children come to me, and don't stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

18A ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? "

19"Why do you call me good? " Jesus asked him. "No one is good except God alone. 20You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother."

21"I have kept all these from my youth," he said.

22When Jesus heard this, he told him, "You still lack one thing: Sell all you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

23After he heard this, he became extremely sad, because he was very rich.

24Seeing that he became sad, Jesus said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

26Those who heard this asked, "Then who can be saved? "

27He replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

28Then Peter said, "Look, we have left what we had and followed you."

29So he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left a house, wife or brothers or sisters, parents or children because of the kingdom of God, 30who will not receive many times more at this time, and eternal life in the age to come."

31Then he took the Twelve aside and told them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that is written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32For he will be handed over to the Gentiles, and he will be mocked, insulted, spit on; 33and after they flog him, they will kill him, and he will rise on the third day."

34They understood none of these things. The meaning of the saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

35As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36Hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening. 37"Jesus of Nazareth is passing by," they told him.

38So he called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! " 39Then those in front told him to keep quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me! "

40Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to him. When he came closer, he asked him,

41"What do you want me to do for you? ""Lord," he said, "I want to see."

42"Receive your sight." Jesus told him. "Your faith has saved you." 43Instantly he could see, and he began to follow him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

1One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 2There was a judge in a certain city,' he said, 'who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ 4The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’'

6Then the Lord said, 'Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. 7Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?'

9Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer : ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people — cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

13But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'

15One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.

16Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, 'Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'

18Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: 'Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?'

19Why do you call me good?' Jesus asked him. 'Only God is truly good. 20But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’ '

21The man replied, 'I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.'

22When Jesus heard his answer, he said, 'There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'

23But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.

24When Jesus saw this, he said, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! 25In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'

26Those who heard this said, 'Then who in the world can be saved?'

27He replied, 'What is impossible for people is possible with God.'

28Peter said, 'We’ve left our homes to follow you.'

29Yes,' Jesus replied, 'and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 30will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.'

31Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus said, 'Listen, we’re going up to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. 32He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. 33They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.'

34But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.

35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 38So he began shouting, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

39Be quiet!' the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'

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

41What do you want me to do for you?' 'Lord,' he said, 'I want to see!'

42And Jesus said, 'All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.' 43Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.

1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

15And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. 28Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

35And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

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Luke is almost finished with the section sometimes called "Jesus' travelogue to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51—19:27). Luke 1:1—4:13 recounts Jesus' pre-public life. Luke 4:14—9:50 describes Jesus' ministry primarily in Galilee. In the travelogue, Luke has carefully chosen stories where Jesus teaches His disciples about the kingdom of God and prepares them to build and lead the church after His ascension. Luke 19:28—21:38 recounts the presentation of Jesus, when He enters Jerusalem and the Jewish religious leaders have one last time to accept Him as their Messiah. Luke 22:1—23:56 tells the story of the Last Supper and Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and burial. Finally, Luke 24 presents Jesus' resurrection and ascension, providing a segue into Acts 1.

Luke 18 is a study in contrasts.

Luke 18:1–8 is the parable of the persistent widow. This continues Jesus' discussion of His second coming with the promise that God will give His people justice (Luke 17:22). He teaches this lesson by contrasting God with a corrupt judge. A widow demands justice. The city judge is vain, self-important, and unwilling to act on behalf of a powerless victim. The widow refuses to relent, however, and eventually the judge gives her justice so she will stop bothering him. Since God is no corrupt judge, He will certainly give justice to His own when Jesus returns.

Luke 18:9–14 gives another aspect about how God's people should pray. Where the previous parable talked about persistent and faithful prayer, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector encourages humility over arrogance. Two men come to the temple to pray. The Pharisee brags to God that he is not like "other men"; he avoids sin and faithfully fasts and tithes. Far off, the tax collector repents of his sins and begs forgiveness. Jesus explains that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Matthew 6:5–6 contains similar instructions.

Luke 18:15–17 is the first section of a two-part comparison. People are bringing babies and children to Jesus so He will bless them. The disciples try to keep the parents away. Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Luke 18:18–30 gives the second half of the analogy. A devout, young, rich ruler wants to know how to inherit eternal life. Jesus confirms that the man faithfully follows the Law, then tells him to give away his worldly possessions. The man leaves, saddened. God is almost his most important priority, but not quite. The children who come to Jesus have nothing so they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We need a heart that is willing to give up our lives to follow Jesus.

Luke 18:31–34 presents the first half of the final comparison. Jesus, once again, warns the disciples that He will be killed in Jerusalem. The disciples have spent three years learning from Him, but they still cannot understand what He's talking about.

Luke 18:35–43 introduces a blind man who can see the truth. He calls out for "Jesus, Son of David" to heal him. Jesus does. Unlike the disciples, he understands and accepts what he has heard and acts in faith.

This miracle begins the last section of the so-called "travelogue" (Luke 18:35—19:27). In Luke 19, Jesus will meet Zacchaeus and give the parable of the ten minas, warning the disciples to faithfully use what God has entrusted them with. Then comes the triumphal entry and Jesus' experiences leading up to the crucifixion.