[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 18
Bible Verses:
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I 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?” (Luke 18:7-8)
““I 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.” (Luke 18:14)
““Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17)
““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.” (Luke 18:22)
“Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.” (Luke 18:24)
“ Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
““Truly 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 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29)
“ Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” (Luke 18:42-43)
THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW (vs. 1-8)
A widow kept coming to a judge witht he plea “Grant me justice against my adversary” (v. 3). But the judge refused. However, with the persistence of the widow, the judge finally grant her justice.
This parable shows that we should always pray and never give iup. For God will bring about justice for his chosen ones.
THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEES AND THE TAX COLLECTORS (vs. 9-12)
A Pharisees and a collector went to the temple to pray. The Pharisees bragged himself about his fasting, offering and being holy in comparison to robbers, evildoers and the tax collectors. But the tax collector confessed himself as a sinner and asked mercy from God. Among the two, the collector went home justified before God. Jesus was teaching the lesson of humility. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 14)
THE LITTLE CHILDREN AND JESUS (vs. 15-17)
When people brought babies to Jesus, the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus welcomed them and said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (vs. 16-17)
THE RICH RULER (vs. 18-30)
A rich ruler came to Jesus and asked how he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus cited the commandment and the ruler said all these he already kept. Then Jesus 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” (v. 22). The man became sad and went away because he was very wealthy. Then Jesus said: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 24-25).
Jesus assured that those who left home or wife or brother or parent or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will receive eternal life.
JESUS AGAIN PREDICTS HIS DEATH (vs. 31-34)
Jesus again told His disciples the fulfillment of prophesy about His death and resurrection.
A BLIND BEGGAR RECEIVES HIS SIGHT (vs. 35-42)
A blind beggar knowing that Jesus was passing by cried out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (v. 38). People rebuked him but he shouted all the more. Jesus stopped and asked what he wanted. He said: “Lord, I want to see” (v. 41). Jesus healed him and he received his sight.
LESSONS:
- If an unjust judge can help a poor widow seek justice, how much more will our Lord meet our needs. Let us pray without ceasing and have the faith and confidence of his gracious promises.
- When we come to God in prayer, we should humble ourselves. Do not be like that Pharisee exalting himself and bringing indictment upon others. But rather be like the tax collector confessing himself as a sinner.
- Do not let your riches hinder your relationship with God. Treasures in earth will pass away but treasures in heaven is eternal.
- The blind man grasped his opportunity to cry out to the Lord and he was healed. Do not be discouraged on whatever difficult situation you are undergoing. Continue to pray until it is being answered.
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