Luke 18

Jesus gives us another parable at the start of Chapter 18 using a distasteful character to tell us a truth about God (like 17:7-10). It emphasizes that followers of God should not stop praying (v. 1) and that, if they do keep it up, justice will prevail (v. 7). God contrasts the unrighteous judge in that he will always do right and has compassion for believers who suffer. But Jesus wonders if followers of God will persist in their faith (v. 8), something that we have to be conscious of in our lives. He then gives a surprising example of such faith with the parable in v. 9-14, which involves a person who is far less sympathetic than the persistent widow.

This story draws another contrast, between humility and self-righteousness. The Pharisee recognizes that he is a good person who does good things (v. 11-12). He thinks this is enough to justify himself before God. But in the same breath that the Pharisee proclaims his righteousness, he demonstrates the sinful attitudes that are still separating him from God. He's filled with pride and contemptuous of those who do really bad things. And in the eyes of the Jews, working as a tax collector for the Roman government was one of those really bad things. Now, since we're all good people who try to do what God wants us to do, here's a question to contemplate: Are you ever like this Pharisee? Think about it, and I'd like to hear your answers on Sunday.

Jesus says the tax collector is the one who was justified (v. 14). The tax collector demonstrates humility and is a model for us. Look at verse 13, he is acknowledging sin, truly repentant and seeking mercy from God. It boils down to the saying at the end of verse 14 that we have heard Jesus use before (14:11). Its repetition may indicate that humility is an important concept in the kingdom of God, applicable in a variety of situations. The saying contains a paradox that speaks to the nature of God's kingdom. It's also one of those things that may stick with a reader long after many other details in this book fade away. So, it becomes a maxim we can live by.

In v. 15-17, Jesus tells us more about the kingdom of God -- that it belongs to those who are like children, even babies (v. 16). In fact, we won't enter the kingdom unless we receive it like a child (v. 17). I'd like to hear what you think this is about. I'll give you a hint, it has to do with faith.

The story of the ruler in v. 18-30 wrestles with the same question about entering the kingdom, specifically inheriting eternal life (v. 18). Notice, Jesus tells the man to follow the law (v. 20), which he had said in 16:17 would not pass away. The ruler exhibits a little bit of the same attitude as the Pharisee in the earlier parable. I hear self righteousness in his response in v. 21. He apparently didn't get Jesus' message in verse 19, that no one is good but God (i.e., we're all sinners and break the law). So, Jesus breaks through that facade by asking him to give up the thing he really trusts in -- his wealth. He tells him to use all his possessions to help the poor and follow him. Sadly, it appears by his response that this man ends up only serving as an object lesson (v. 23). How would you respond if Jesus asked you to do that so you could be part of God's kingdom and inherit eternal life? Could Jesus be asking you to sell your possessions and distribute the proceeds to the poor?

If Jesus' listeners weren't already alarmed by what he had just said, his words in verse 25 definitely raised the panic level. He uses hyperbole to emphasize how hard it is for us not to trust in our wealth and riches. The listeners comprehend that the impossibility of what Jesus says eliminates everyone -- not only the rich -- from entering the kingdom (v. 26). But God can do what we see as impossible (v. 27). We need faith, as defined in v. 15-17, and just the tiniest bit will do (17:5-6). Then we're in that place where we can let go of all else to follow Jesus.

Peter, of course, wants to make the point that the disciples have already done this (v. 28). Jesus acknowledges this and says they will be rewarded (v. 29-30). Jesus here destroys the notion that wealth is a sign of God's favor and that anyone can merit enough divine favor to gain entrance into heaven. So they needed to stop looking at certain people as good because of their wealth. By the way, what was Jesus getting at in verse 19 when he questioned being called "good teacher"? Was he distancing himself from God or identifying with him? Or something else?

Perhaps spurred by Peter pointing out how the disciples had sacrificed, Jesus confides in them about his coming arrest, torture, crucifixion and resurrection after three days. Yes, he tells them all this and it still passes right over their heads. This despite the fact that it's the sixth time in Luke's story that he has foretold his own suffering or death. 

The story of Jesus restoring sight to the blind beggar (v. 35-43) illustrates faith (remember the helpless babies?) and sets up a contrast to the rich ruler. He was dismissed by some (v. 39), similar to the disciples' attitude toward the children. The man has the faith the ruler lacked and when Jesus encounters him, healing is immediate because of that (v. 42). Just like the people who experienced it, this should be cause for us to praise God.