Luke 18:1-17 (Calvary Roads 3)

Don’t ignore the context of this passage.  Jesus is still on the road to Jerusalem with others headed there for Passover.  Likely the crowds are growing as people join the road at the various junctions and communities along the way and as they hear that Jesus is on the road as well.  

These three situations should be seen in the context of His teaching in the previous chapter.  Having spoken of troubling days preceding the days of the Son of Man He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (18:1).  Having made the distinction between those who, by faith, had entered the spiritual kingdom, Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others (18:9) and also taught the essence of true faith through the little children, proclaiming that you cannot enter the kingdom of God without receiving it as a little child (18:17).

·        The Parable of the Persistent Widow, 18:1-8.

This paragle is encouragement to pray and not lost heart.  What a wonderful thought.  As Paul said in Phil. 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing in in everything by prayer and supplication …!  Again, in our time of need we are to come boldly to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).

Don’t get hung up on the connection between God and a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  Jesus is saying that God is better than that judge (v7-8).  God is always better, better than neighbors (Lk. 11:5-8) and better than earthly fathers (Lk. 11:9-12).  He bears long with us because it gives us greater opportunity to glorify Him through our changed lives.  But remember, He never willingly afflicts us and is full of mercy (Lam. 3:22-24,31-33).

·        The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, 18:9-14.

To be justified is to be declared and counted righteous (Rom. 4:4-5).  The faith of the tax collector is evident in his humility; it is the evidence that he has entered the Kingdom of God, that he has bowed before the King.  

·        Jesus Blesses Little Children, 18:15-17.

Note that in all these stories Jesus shows His love for the weak and despised: a widow, a tax collector and now children.  He loves all, including the rich (that will be seen in the next story); but His love shone when compared to the attitudes of the day.  Even Jesus disciples rebuked the children; but Jesus saw them as the perfect illustration of true faith.  So we, today, must come to Him as a child, as one who can do nothing but receive (depend, trust, rely).