Bible Commentaries
Luke 18

Verses 1-8

Luk 18:1-8

Commentary On Luke 18:1-8

Galen Doughty

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus now tells his disciples (probably everyone following him and not just the 12) a parable about not giving up in prayer or persevering in prayer. This is in the context of journeying to Jerusalem and after he has talked about how the Kingdom of God will come.

A widow goes to a judge who does not fear God or care about people. She pleads with him to give her justice against her adversary. The Revised Standard Version says vindicate me before my adversary. The NASB reads give me legal protection against my opponent. The Greek words mean justice, vengeance, revenge or protection against my enemy, adversary, or opponent in a lawsuit. All are correct translations of the words. Who is the adversary here, Satan? The words lead me to believe that this parable is not only about perseverance in prayer it is also about spiritual warfare.

The unjust judge refuses at first. Then he gives in because the widow will not quit. The judge says she keeps giving me trouble with her constant requests for justice. Finally he agrees to grant her request.

Jesus then says listen to what the unjust judge says. If the unjust judge finally granted the widow’s pleas for justice how much more will God who is just grant his people justice when they cry to him day and night? Jesus affirms that God will grant justice for his people and quickly because he cares for them, unlike the unjust judge!

Jesus then adds a question that goes back to his previous teaching about his coming. Will he find faith on earth when he comes? In other words will his people believe that God will hear and answer their prayers? Will his disciples keep praying in faith or will they give up? When the flood came only Noah and his family were left. When Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed only Lot and his family were left. There was no one else. Will Jesus find his people ready and waiting for his return, still working for him and still fighting the battle for him? Will Jesus find persistent faith, faith that keeps praying and doesn’t give up?

I think this parable applies very directly to spiritual warfare and both protection from Satan and spiritual evil and vindication and justice against Satan and his demons. Jesus is teaching us to persevere in our prayers, especially when it involves the enemy and Kingdom issues. This parable is not like the friend at midnight which dealt with God’s honor and care for us. This is about us, whether we give up in prayer and about God’s justice and care for us in the face of our enemy! This parable is not so much about personal and pastoral issues and bringing them to God in prayer. This parable is about Kingdom issues and bringing those to God in prayer. This parable is about fighting the enemy and overcoming him for the Kingdom of God!

Verses 9-14

Luk 18:9-14

Commentary On Luke 18:9-14

Galen Doughty

Luke 18:9-14 - Jesus tells a parable to some who had confidence in their own righteousness before God and viewed others with contempt. Since a Pharisee is one of the main characters in the story it seems reasonable to assume Jesus is telling the parable to the Pharisees who have shadowed him along the road to Jerusalem. They fit the profile!

Two men go up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and one a tax collector. Jesus is getting closer to Jerusalem so he uses the temple as the site of their prayers rather than a synagogue which would have been more likely if he were still in Galilee. The Pharisee stood up to pray and literally the words read, was praying to himself. In other words these are the words of his prayer to God. He brags to God and everyone around him that he is not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like the tax collector. He fasts twice a week and gives a tenth of all he has. His prayer is all about comparing himself to others who do not measure up to his outward righteousness. The examples he gives of his righteousness are all religious things that he does, he fasts and tithes. These are supposed to prove his character is righteous and acceptable before God. Plus Jesus’ implication is the Pharisee stands where everyone can see him and be impressed by his prayer.

The tax collector on the other hand, stands at a distance. He does not even look up to heaven but beats his chest in a sign of contrition. He prays, God be merciful to me a sinner. He knows his own sin, and he perceives that God does too. His only hope because he knows he is a sinner is to throw himself on the mercy of God and plead with God to forgive him. His behavior in prayer speaks of his contrite heart and his humility. The Pharisees’ behavior speaks of a proud heart and his self-righteousness.

Jesus then gives the shocking conclusion. The tax collector goes home justified before God! In Greek the word is the perfect passive participle of dikaioso, to be righteous, to be justified, the same word Paul uses in Romans and Galatians to describe God’s salvation! Jesus then says everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. The Pharisee for all his religious efforts goes home unacceptable to God. The tax collector because of his humility and repentant heart goes home righteous before God. That’s the gospel. Jesus tells the Pharisees and us that humility is an essential attitude to have in order to enter the Kingdom! Through it we see our need for God’s mercy. We understand our sinfulness and we lay aside pride in our own efforts. Humility leads us to casting ourselves on God’s mercy and the beginning of faith. God responds to the humble with grace. Jesus also is saying that the Pharisee for all his outward righteousness was far from God. In fact outward religious acts without a humble heart mean nothing to God and repulse him.

Verses 15-17

Luk 18:15-17

Commentary On Luke 18:15-17

Galen Doughty

Luke 18:15-17 - Crowds were following Jesus as he is journeying to Jerusalem. People were bringing babies to Jesus for him to touch and bless. The disciples thought this bothered the master so they rebuked the people. Jesus stops them and calls the children to himself. In other gospels it says he became indignant over the disciples’ attitude.

Jesus tells them to let the children come to him because the Kingdom belongs to such as these. The Kingdom of God is entered by faith in Jesus and having a relationship with him as Lord, which is clear from the rest of Scripture. Jesus is highlighting the fact here that God cares for the children before they are able to decide for themselves. And if they are able to decide he welcomes them. This is a passage that is often used to justify the doctrine of infants and little children being welcomed by God into heaven when they die because they are not old enough to decide for themselves. God saves them because he is a merciful God. Children can receive Jesus and we should welcome them as full believers and baptize them. Infants we should bless as Jesus blessed and ask God’s favor for them which he is ready to give.

The most important thing Jesus says here is about humility. We all must be like little children when we enter the Kingdom. Children are humble and trusting. That is the attitude God is looking for in his children. The Pharisee in the parable preceding this incident was not humble and childlike. The tax collector was. The two periscopes are related by the attitude of humility.

Verses 18-30

Luk 18:18-30

Commentary On Luke 18:18-30

Galen Doughty

Luke 18:18-27 - A ruler came to Jesus. The word is archon, which means ruler, magistrate, commander, chief or leader. Other gospels say he was rich and young. Magistrate is probably the best translation. This was some sort of Jewish official, probably of Herod’s court or maybe an official in Roman Judea. The New Living translates it a religious official but I think that is reading too much into the text. Luke tells us the man had great wealth in v.23, so this is probably not a religious official of the temple. More likely he is a judge or bureaucrat of some sort who was very religious and wanted to know what Jesus thought he needed to do to inherit eternal life.

The odd thing is he addresses Jesus as good teacher. Jesus cryptically questions him as to why he calls him good because no one is good but God alone. It is true he is the good teacher because he is God. I think Jesus is trying to press him as to who he thinks Jesus is. Is he simply trying to flatter Jesus or does he see something of God’s character in Jesus and expresses that? Jesus pushes him to decide about him.

In the previous two pericopes Jesus has taught on humility and faith as the ways we inherit eternal life and enter God’s Kingdom. The ruler’s question is telling; what must I do. He is operating under the assumption that he CAN do something. He approaches Jesus with his question. Jesus as he does with the lawyer in the dialogue introducing the Good Samaritan points him back to the commandments. The commandments Jesus quotes are all relational commands concerning how we treat one another. Jesus totally leaves out the first four God -commands that speak to our relationship with God. The ruler replies, probably with some pride and happiness, I have kept all these since I was a boy. Jesus replies that he lacks one thing to earn eternal life. Sell all you have, give it away to the poor and come follow me. Then you’ll have treasure in heaven and eternal life. The man goes away sad because he had great wealth.

Jesus saw the ruler’s heart. He had kept the commandments about people but not the first and most important command; love God with all you are, have no other gods but God! Money and possessions were his gods. Jesus wasn’t being harsh with him, he was trying to save him and set him free.

The prevailing notion among the Jews and especially the Pharisees was that the rich had all the advantages. They were already blessed of God and could give more and thereby earn more of God’s favor to enter the Kingdom. Jesus explodes that myth! He says the rich don’t have any advantage at all; in fact they are at a huge disadvantage because of their wealth! It is such a huge disadvantage it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus is being literal here; he is trying to show that for a rich person to enter the Kingdom on their own merits is impossible! The popular notion would have seen this rich magistrate as a shoe -in! Jesus says he will be on the outside looking in. That is why those he hear him ask then who can be saved. If the rich ruler can’t make it what chance do the rest of us have?! Jesus’ reply takes everyone back to grace and humility. What is impossible for man is possible for God. Salvation doesn’t come because we earn it; it comes because God freely gives it out of his grace!

Luke 18:28-30 - Peter says we’ve left our homes to follow you. It’s almost like he’s saying, doesn’t that count for something? We’re not rich but have left everything. Is that good? I’m not sure he understands what Jesus is saying about salvation here. Jesus wants to reinforce the idea that the Kingdom and a relationship with him must be paramount in a disciple’s life. If you leave all to follow Jesus there will be rewards in this life, not from a worldly standpoint but from a spiritual one. And there will be eternal rewards in heaven as well, namely eternal life. The rich ruler could not see it because his mind and heart were clouded by his wealth and possessions. He valued things above the Kingdom. Jesus reinforces this by saying that the Kingdom of God must be the highest value in one’s life. Jesus must be first; Jesus must be Lord!

Verses 31-34

Luk 18:31-34

Commentary On Luke 18:31-34

Galen Doughty

Luke 18:31-34 - Jesus takes the twelve aside from the crowd to speak to them. Jesus continues toward Jerusalem. He is nearing Jericho on his journey south. However he began, he has now headed south down the Jordan Valley in order to come into Jerusalem from the east and the Mt. of Olives. Passover is several weeks away and the crowds with Jesus must have started to grow as early pilgrims would be going up to Jerusalem for the feast. Messianic fervor always swelled at Passover time. Surely the disciples must have felt it and anticipated Jesus being hailed as Messiah. What he now tells the disciples, even though he had said something similar before must have seemed completely crazy. They were not prepared for it nor did they understand it or believe it. Jesus linked all the prophecies of the Messiah, Servant and Son of Man to himself. The disciples did not until after the resurrection and Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus tells the disciples point blank that when they arrive in Jerusalem Jesus will be arrested and handed over to the Gentiles, meaning the Romans. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him or scourge him and kill him. Jesus does not say crucify here but if a Roman prisoner was flogged he was crucified. Jesus was a Jew not a Roman. The Romans only killed Roman citizens by beheading. Everyone else they crucified. Jesus’ implication is clear. All of that was incomprehensible to them. Then he says something even more remarkable. On the third day he will rise again. The resurrection is made clear for those with eyes to see in Isaiah 53, but for most people it didn’t make any sense. Messiah could not be mocked, scourged and crucified by the Romans! Rise again, what did that mean? At this point the disciples did not understand anything Jesus was saying to them. He had told them other things that were difficult to understand and they probably just shrugged their shoulders, looked at each other with questioning looks and went on. After all they were going to Jerusalem! It wasn’t until later that they understood. Even after he was crucified they still did not understand. It took the resurrection and his appearances to them to help them comprehend that everything he had told them happened just as God had planned so that the world could be reconciled to God and all the prophets could be fulfilled.

Verses 35-43

Luk 18:35-43

Commentary On Luke 18:35-43

Galen Doughty

Luke 18:35-43 - Jesus’ confusing words are soon lost in a miracle with Messianic overtones. They approach Jericho and a blind beggar is sitting alongside the road. He hears all the commotion of the crowd and asks someone nearby what is going on. They tell him Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. Mark names him Bartimaeus, or son of Timaeus. Luke does not give his name. He hears that it is Jesus and shouts out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! He specifically calls Jesus the Messiah, which is what Son of David means. No one could mistake what he was saying. The crowd in front of him, either from embarrassment or annoyance tells him to be quiet. He keeps shouting all the more. Jesus stops and so does the crowd. Either Jesus finally hears him above all the crowd noise or he finally decides to pay attention to his cry. He orders that the man be brought to him. You can almost see the tension and anticipation in the crowd. What will Jesus do? The man called Jesus the Messiah! Many in the crowd believed that, including the disciples. Some did not and many were unsure. Would Jesus scold him for calling him Messiah? Would he deny that he was? Would he commend him or maybe heal him? Were they about to see a miracle? Some were there to witness one.

The blind man is brought to Jesus and Jesus asks him, what do you want me to do for you? Jesus does not tell him, now don’t be calling me Son of David. He focuses his attention on the man’s need and request. He says to Jesus, Lord I want to see. He calls him Lord, another Messianic title with implications that go beyond even that. Lord, adonai, or kurios, was used for God in the synagogues. He doesn’t call him rabbi but Lord. He recognizes who Jesus is and accepts his authority already over his life. Jesus tells him, receive your sight. The word is an aorist active imperative and means literally to look up and in context to recover lost sight. Jesus commands the man to look up and see! Then he adds your faith has healed you (NIV). The word for healed is from sozo, a perfect active indicative and literally means your faith has saved you! Luke chooses his words carefully here and they contain double meanings for those to see. Look up to me, behold me, see me because I am the Messiah. You are right. Your faith has healed you, but more importantly your faith in me has saved you. Even before you see you were saved because you know who I am, the Messiah and your Lord. You acknowledged me Lord and that saved you. As a sign of your salvation see! The man calls Jesus Lord and his first command to him is SEE! Luke says immediately he sees. Remarkable!

The blind man openly proclaims Jesus as Messiah and calls him Lord. Jesus doesn’t rebuke him or swear him to secrecy. He heals him and allows him to follow him. Jesus is getting closer to Jerusalem and openly declaring his Messiahship.

Jesus has just finished telling his disciples what will happen when they get to Jerusalem. He, the Messiah, will be killed and rise again on the third day. They don’t understand. Then a blind beggar "sees" the reality of who Jesus is and not only receives his sight but is saved and given eternal life in Jesus. The man praises God and follows Jesus. When all the people saw this they praised God too. Did the skeptics among the crowd now believe Jesus was the Messiah? Hope begins to grow among them. Faith begins to awaken in them. They enter Jericho on a high note. Jesus is about to show everyone what kind of Messiah he really is.

Questions by E.M. Zerr For Luke Chapter Eighteen

1. On what subject is the first lesson?

2. What officer is used for illustration?

3. Describe his disposition.

4. What request was made to him?

5. Did he personally favor the request?

6. For what reason did he grant it?

7. Is God like this judge?

8. Where is the comparison?

9. Notwithstanding, what is endangered?

10. For whose sake was the next parable?

11. To what place did men go to pray?

12. Was this the proper place?

13. What was the religions difference between them?

14. What was the social difference?

15. Which one was self-righteous?

16. With whom did he contrast himself?

17. With whom did the publican contrast himself?

18. Repeat his prayer.

19. State the conclusion of Jesus.

20. Classify humility and exaltation.

21. Why were infants brought to Jesus?

22. Tell who objected.

23. Why did Jesus suffer the children?

24. What is necessary to enter the kingdom ?

25. Repeat the inquiry of the ruler.

26. What admission did Jesus see in the question?

27. State the answer to his question.

28. Which one had the ruler left out?

29. Tell what he lacked.

30. Why did this make him sorry?

31. On what subject did Jesus then speak?

32. State his comparison.

33. Was the thing compared merely difficult, with men

34. What did Peter profess?

35. For this what is the reward?

36. When is it to be received?

37. Tell what is to come afterward.

38. Which of his disciples did he now address?

39. To what place were they to go?

40. What sayings were to be accomplished ?

41. Into whose hands would he be delivered?

42. Why into their hands?

43. How will they treat him?

44. But what victory is predicted ?

45. How well did they understand this?

46. On the way what unfortunate man was seen?

47. State his two misfortunes.

48. What caused his inquiry?

49. Repeat his cry.

50. What was said to him first?

51. Did this silence him?

52. For which misfortune did he ask relief?

53. What did Jesus say had saved him?

54. When was he thus saved?

55. How did he show his appreciation?

56. State the effect on the people.

Luke Chapter Eighteen

By Ralph L. Starling

Jesus said, “man should always pray and not faint.”

An told them a parable to make think think,

About a hard-hearted judge fearing not God or man,

But a woman so persistent she changed his mind.

God will hear those who are likewise persistent,

Who need God’s help with no ill intent.

For such persistence God will help speedily.

He is open to the Elect who serve faithfully.

He speaks another parable about trusting one self,

Being self-righteous, putting others on the shelf.

He would be faithful in worship and obeying the Law,

Not like others, he is without a flaw!

Then there was the Publicans unliked by many,

Who prayed, “Have mercy on me, a sinner.”

This one was justified and not the other.

He that is humble shall be the one honored.

Suffer little children for they make up heaven.

Those who despise them will not go in with them.

A Ruler asked, “How may I have eternal life?”

He said, “You know the commandments, live right.”

Peter said, “We have left all to follow you.”

Jesus said, “Thos e who do so will not be refused.”

Going to Jerusalem he told them the news.

That He would be mocked and spitefully used.

As He and a multitude passed by making a great noise,

A blind beggar said, “What’s happening?” raising a voice.

When told it was Jesus he cried, “Have mercy on me.”

Jesus said, “Receive you sight, you faith saved thee.”