Jesus uniquely positions himself as both the unjust judge's opposite and the widow's advocate, inverting his typical role from authority figure to champion of the powerless.
Luke 18
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up,
2saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God and didn’t respect man.
3A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
4He wouldn’t for a while; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
6The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.
7Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
8I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others:
10“Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
11The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, 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 away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, 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 he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus Blesses Little Children
15They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
17Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
The Rich Ruler
18A certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one: God.
20You know the commandments: ‘Don’t commit adultery,’ ‘Don’t murder,’ ‘Don’t steal,’ ‘Don’t give false testimony,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
21He said, “I have observed all these things from my youth up.”
22When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
23But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.
24Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!
25For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
26Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”
27But he said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
28Peter said, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
29He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for God’s Kingdom’s sake,
30who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life.”
The Third Passion Prediction
31He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed.
32For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on.
33They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.”
34They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t understand the things that were said.
The Healing of a Blind Beggar near Jericho
35As he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road, begging.
36Hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant.
37They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
38He cried out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!”
39Those who led the way rebuked him, that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”
40Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him,
41“What do you want me to do?” He said, “Lord, that I may see again.”
42Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you.”
43Immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.
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Theme
Luke 18 presents Jesus' teaching on prayer, humility, and the challenges of discipleship through parables and encounters. Two parables emphasize persistent prayer and humble repentance, while Jesus' interactions with children, a rich ruler, and a blind beggar illustrate the kingdom's values of childlike faith, sacrificial commitment, and dependence on God's mercy. The chapter culminates with Jesus' third prediction of his death and resurrection, followed by a powerful healing that demonstrates his messianic authority.
Context
This chapter continues Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem that began in chapter 9, building themes of discipleship and kingdom values before his final entry into the holy city.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-8 The Parable of the Persistent Widow Jesus teaches about persistent prayer through a story of a widow who wears down an unjust judge.
- 9-14 The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector A parable contrasting self-righteous pride with humble repentance in prayer.
- 15-17 Jesus Blesses Little Children Jesus welcomes children and teaches that childlike humility is essential for entering God's kingdom.
- 18-30 The Rich Ruler's Question A wealthy ruler's inquiry about eternal life reveals the difficulty of choosing discipleship over material security.
- 31-34 Third Prediction of Death and Resurrection Jesus again foretells his suffering, death, and resurrection, though the disciples don't understand.
- 35-43 Healing of the Blind Beggar Jesus heals a persistent blind man near Jericho, demonstrating mercy and the power of faith.
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
18:1–18:8 parable parable-telling hopeful
Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge to teach about the necessity of persistent prayer. He emphasizes that God will answer the prayers of his chosen ones.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely positions himself as both the unjust judge's opposite and the widow's advocate, inverting his typical role from authority figure to champion of the powerless.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
18:9–18:14 parable parable-telling contemplative
Jesus contrasts a proud Pharisee with a humble tax collector in prayer to teach that humility before God leads to justification. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while the humble will be exalted.
person_contrast
Jesus reverses social expectations by making the despised tax collector's prayer—just seven words in Greek—the model for divine justification over the Pharisee's lengthy self-congratulation.
Jesus Blesses Little Children
18:15–18:17 narrative instruction tender
Jesus welcomes little children and teaches that receiving God's Kingdom requires childlike humility and trust. He rebukes his disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to him.
person_contrast
While Jesus typically exercises divine authority through teaching and judgment, here he demonstrates kingdom power through blessing and receiving—making children the unexpected gatekeepers to God's realm.
The Rich Ruler
18:18–18:30 gospel dialogue solemn
A rich ruler asks Jesus about eternal life but walks away sad when told to sell his possessions. Jesus teaches about the difficulty of the wealthy entering God's kingdom and promises rewards for those who sacrifice for the kingdom.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely reframes eternal life not as a reward for moral compliance but as requiring the radical divestment of wealth, inverting typical religious expectations about righteousness and prosperity.
The Third Passion Prediction
18:31–18:34 gospel speech solemn
Jesus predicts his passion for the third time, telling the twelve disciples that he will be delivered to the Gentiles, killed, and rise again. The disciples do not understand his words.
person_contrast
Jesus's detailed enumeration of six specific sufferings—delivery, mocking, shameful treatment, spitting, scourging, and killing—contrasts starkly with his typical proclamations of divine authority and kingdom power throughout Luke's Gospel.
The Healing of a Blind Beggar near Jericho
18:35–18:43 gospel narration triumphant
Jesus heals a blind beggar near Jericho who persistently calls out for mercy. The man's faith results in his sight being restored, and he follows Jesus while glorifying God.
person_contrast
The blind beggar's threefold cry "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy" uniquely combines messianic recognition with desperate petition, making this Luke's only healing where the recipient identifies Jesus' royal lineage before receiving sight.
Insights
Jesus reverses social expectations by making the despised tax collector's prayer—just seven words in Greek—the model for divine justification over the Pharisee's lengthy self-congratulation.
While Jesus typically exercises divine authority through teaching and judgment, here he demonstrates kingdom power through blessing and receiving—making children the unexpected gatekeepers to God's realm.
Jesus uniquely reframes eternal life not as a reward for moral compliance but as requiring the radical divestment of wealth, inverting typical religious expectations about righteousness and prosperity.
Jesus's detailed enumeration of six specific sufferings—delivery, mocking, shameful treatment, spitting, scourging, and killing—contrasts starkly with his typical proclamations of divine authority and kingdom power throughout Luke's Gospel.
The blind beggar's threefold cry "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy" uniquely combines messianic recognition with desperate petition, making this Luke's only healing where the recipient identifies Jesus' royal lineage before receiving sight.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 18:10 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 23:6 Lexical
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and…
Acts 1:24 Lexical
They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen
Matthew 6:24 Lexical
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and…
Luke 7:41 Lexical
“A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
Luke 16:13 Lexical
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and de…
Luke 18:11 1 reference
Luke 18:13 2 references
Luke 18:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 14:11 Lexical
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:12 Lexical
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
James 4:10 Lexical
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
1 Peter 5:6 Lexical
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time,
2 Corinthians 11:7 Lexical
Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of ch…
Luke 18:15 3 references
Parallels 2
Luke 18:16 2 references
Luke 18:17 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 10:15 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
Matthew 18:3 Lexical
and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the K…
Matthew 19:23 Lexical
Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficu…
John 3:5 Lexical
Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
Luke 18:18 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 10:17 Lexical
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I…
Luke 10:25 Lexical
Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Matthew 19:16 Lexical
Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 19:29 Lexical
Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name…
Romans 2:7 Lexical
to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;
Luke 18:19 1 reference
Luke 18:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 10:19 Lexical
You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do…
Matthew 19:18 Lexical
He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal…
Romans 13:9 Lexical
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not cov…
Ephesians 6:2 Lexical
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise:
Mark 7:10 Lexical
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to dea…
Luke 18:22 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 10:21 Lexical
Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, a…
Matthew 19:21 Lexical
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure…
Matthew 13:44 Lexical
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and s…
Luke 18:24 1 reference
Luke 18:25 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 10:25 Lexical
It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
Matthew 19:24 Lexical
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.…
Matthew 19:23 Lexical
Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficu…
Mark 9:47 Lexical
If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out. It is better for you to enter into God’s Kingdom with one eye, rather t…
Luke 18:26 1 reference
Luke 18:27 2 references
Luke 18:28 1 reference
Luke 18:29 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 10:29 Lexical
Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mothe…
Matthew 19:29 Lexical
Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name…
Mark 13:12 Lexical
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause the…
Matthew 10:21 Lexical
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause the…
Mark 10:30 Lexical
but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, wit…
Luke 18:30 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 10:30 Lexical
but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, wit…
John 10:28 Lexical
I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 4:14 Lexical
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will be…
Luke 18:31 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 10:32 Lexical
They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who f…
Matthew 1:20 Lexical
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of…
Matthew 20:18 Lexical
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they w…
Mark 10:33 Lexical
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will…
Luke 18:32 2 references
Luke 18:33 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 10:34 Lexical
They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
Matthew 20:19 Lexical
and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Revelation 9:15 Lexical
The four angels were freed who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year, so that they might kill one t…
Luke 9:22 Lexical
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be kille…
Matthew 17:23 Lexical
and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry.
Luke 18:35 2 references
Luke 18:38 2 references
Luke 18:39 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 10:48 Lexical
Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”
Matthew 21:9 Lexical
The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is…
Mark 10:47 Lexical
When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!”
Matthew 20:31 Lexical
The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on u…
Matthew 20:30 Lexical
Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us…
Luke 18:40 1 reference
Luke 18:42 1 reference
Luke 18:43 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 8:47 Lexical
When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him declared to him in the prese…
Matthew 9:8 Lexical
But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Revelation 18:7 Lexical
However much she glorified herself and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart,…
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Crucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Jesus predicts his death at Gentile hands as part of his third passion prediction.
The Third Passion PredictionResurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
Jesus foretells his resurrection on the third day in his final passion prediction.
The Third Passion Prediction