Gospel of Luke Chapter 18

Summary: Speaking to His disciples, Jesus warns against temptations to sin (17:1-4), the power of even small faith (17:5-6), and to maintain humility as servants (17:7-10). He cleanses ten lepers (17:11-19) and offers a saying about God’s kingdom (17:20-21). Finally, Jesus warns the disciples about being prepared as they do not know when the kingdom will come (17:22-37).

Parable of the Persistent Widow (vv. 1 – 8)

• Then He: Jesus moves to prayer given the coming of God’s kingdom is unknown (17:22-37) • Weary: Disciples become fatigued from praying for many reasons (dry, difficult, unheard) • Judge: Has the authority to decide cases and to make just decisions (weak, vulnerable) • No fear: Judge has a questionable character; (Prov. 1:7, 9:10 – fear of Lord begins wisdom) • Eventually: Widow is persistent, which wears the judge out; persistence can be a great gift • Strike me: Greek hypōpiazō can literally be translated as give me a black eye (Gadenz, 302)

Unjust Judge God Lacks concern for persistent widow Deeply loves chosen ones Renders a just decision for her Sees that justice will be done speedily

Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (vv. 9 – 14)

• He then: Along with persistence, disciples must be humble in their prayers • Righteousness: Literally, “that they are righteous” (Gadenz, 303); divinely approved • Two people: We again see Luke’s theme of doublets; two in debt (7:41); two sons (15:11) • Temple: God’s dwelling place, a place of prayer and sacrifice (where “made right” with God) • To Himself: The Pharisee uses the word “I” four times in His prayer (self-referential) • Humanity: Holds a pessimistic view of humanity; older son presumed the worst (15:30) • Fast/Tithes: Two traditional practices (Fast Monday/Thursday) and ten percent of income • At a distance: Tax collector is further back in the temple; feels unworthy to be there • Eyes: Looks down as an expression of humility; Ezra would not raise eyes to God (Ezra 9:6) • Beat his breast: Expression of deep sorrow; faithful beat breasts during Confiteor at Mass • Merciful: Greek hilaskomai; means “atonement” or wipe away sins (fitting as in the temple) • Justified: God justifies tax collector given humility, sorrow, request for mercy (Zacchaeus) • Humble/exalt: See Luke’s theme of reversal of fortunes again (humble will be exalted)

Saying on Children and the Kingdom (vv. 15 – 17)

Pharisee Praying Children Rich Official Claim God’s favor by own merit Receptive, trust, dependent Claim God’s favor by own merit

• Bring: Estimated that less than 50% of infants in ancient Israel reached age 5 (Gadenz 306) • Let children: St. Thérèse says we must remain little so Jesus can lift us up (like an elevator)

1 The Rich Official (vv. 18 – 23)

• Official: Could be a civil magistrate or a religious leader (8:41; 14:1) (Gadenz, 306) • Good teacher: Jesus has done quite a bit of teaching on His journey to Jerusalem! • Eternal life: Jesus just spoke about “kingdom of God” when teaching about children • Why call me: Jesus focuses attention to the divine; only God can give eternal life

Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23 5th You shall not kill 6th You shall not commit adultery 6th You shall not commit adultery 5th You shall not kill 7th You shall not steal 7th You shall not steal 8th You shall not bear false witness 8th You shall not bear false witness 4th Honor your father and mother 4th Honor your father and mother

• Key: Jesus quotes from the second tablet (4-8), but not the first table (1-3) • All these: The official is sincere in his effort to keep the commandments whole life o Note: Mark adds that Jesus look at the man and “loved him” (10:21) • Sell all: See Luke’s theme of renouncing possessions again • Treasure: Renunciation of earthly treasure for the sake of heavenly treasure • Come, follow me: Following Jesus fulfills first three commandments (first tablet) • Quite sad: Jesus tailors graces to each individual; challenges where most needed

On Riches and Renunciation (vv. 24 – 30)

• Looked: Becomes a teaching moment for all to hear; Jesus uses every moment to teach! • Camel: Largest local animal going through a needle (smallest opening) (Gadenz 310-311) • How saved: Connected with rich official’s original question of how to inherit eternal life o Note: Luke will show how this can be done with Zacchaeus who is rich (19:1-10) • We have given: Peter and others left boats and nets to follow Jesus (5:1); Peter is worried • Wife: Luke adds “wife” to lists in Matthew 19:29 and Mark 10:29; points to Paul’s celibacy • Overabundant Return: See spiritual principle, “It is giving that you receive.” • Note: Luke 18:31-19:44 is Jesus’ ascent to Jerusalem; see theme of kingship (Gadenz, 311)

Healing of the Blind Beggar (vv. 35 – 43)

• Jericho: 800 feet below sea level; 17-mile elevation of 2500 feet above sea level to Jerusalem • Blind man: Introduced right after Apostles’ failed to understand Jesus’ passion prediction • Jesus of Nazareth: Literally, “The Nazorean;” restored sight 7:21-22 when speaking to John • Son of David: Royal title recalls God’s covenant made with King David (2 Sam. 7:1-17) • Rebuked: The Apostles previously rebuked parents for bringing children to Jesus (18:15) • Kept calling: Blind man is like the persistent widow; he will not give up! • Jesus stopped: Like the blind man, in prayer we beg Jesus to stop and see us in our need • What do for you: Odd question given the man is blind; Jesus wants us to express our needs! • Saved you: Greek sōzō means “save” or “heal;” blind man received total healing (disciple)

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