Luke 18 focuses
on two topics: prayer and the kingdom of heaven. First we are told the parable
of the persistent widow (v 1-8). We are reminded of the effectiveness of bold,
persistent prayer. This is not to say that we can merely pray whatever we want
repeatedly and we will get it. It is the heart of our prayers that matters. Are
we willing to lay down our own desires to seek God’s heart on a matter? God
will bring justice (v 7), but only God knows what justice truly is. This heart
is illustrated in the story of the praying Pharisee and the tax collector (v
9-14). The Pharisee was confident in his own righteousness and looked down on
everybody else (v 9). People with this kind of heart do not have the humility
required to seek God’s will in prayer. In contrast, the tax collector was aware
of his sin and cried out for God’s mercy (v 13). This story reminds us that it
is not necessarily those who are powerful or respected on earth who will enter
the kingdom of heaven. Jesus gives the example of children, who were looked
down upon in His day. He says that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these” (v 16). On the other hand, it will be nearly impossible for the rich and
powerful to enter the kingdom (v 25). Only God’s mercy can save us.
Unfortunately, many people are too captured by their wealth and power to cry
out to Him. Jesus reminded His disciples of the urgency of obedience by continuing
to teach them about His coming death (v 30-34). Chapter 18 closes with yet
another reminder of the importance of bringing our needs to Jesus in the story
of the blind man’s healing (v 35-43).
Journaling and Prayer
1. “When
the Son of Man comes will He find faith on the earth?” (v 8). If Jesus were to
return today would He find faith in your heart? Confess any doubt or distrust
to Him.
2. What
do you think it means to have faith like a child? Write down anything that
comes to mind. Does your life match up with this? Ask God to help you grow in
childlike faith.
3. Pray
for children you know. A child’s faith can provide an excellent testimony of
God. Ask that many children would come to know Jesus. Ask God to make them
steadfast in their faith. Children are bombarded with lies every day (in
schools, from friends, through TV and media). Ask God to plant His truth firmly
in their hearts that they would not waver as they grow up.
