Easy Bible・Luke 18

Parables on Prayer and Humility

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In Luke 18, Jesus tells two parables to teach about prayer and humility. The first parable is about a persistent widow who kept asking a judge for justice against her adversary. Though the judge initially refused, he eventually granted her request because of her persistence. Jesus used this parable to encourage his disciples to pray and not give up. He assured them that God, who is just and loving, will answer their prayers. The second parable is about a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee boasted about his righteousness, while the tax collector humbly acknowledged his sinfulness. Jesus emphasized that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God. This parable teaches the importance of humility in approaching God. In addition to the parables, Luke 18 also records Jesus' interactions with children. People were bringing their infants to Jesus for him to bless them, but the disciples rebuked them. However, Jesus welcomed the children and said that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. This highlights the value Jesus placed on childlike faith and innocence. Furthermore, Luke 18 includes the encounter between Jesus and a rich ruler. The ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. However, the ruler was unwilling to do so because he was very wealthy. Jesus then declared how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, as they often place their trust in their riches rather than in God. This encounter serves as a reminder that true discipleship requires surrendering everything to follow Jesus.