Luke 18

Commentary

Luke 18 is a chapter that speaks to the power of faith and prayer. Jesus tells a parable of a persistent widow who continually petitions a judge for justice. The judge, who is initially unsympathetic to her plight, eventually grants her justice because of her persistence. Jesus then tells his disciples that if an unrighteous judge can be moved by the widow's persistence, then how much more will God answer the prayers of his people. Jesus then goes on to tell another parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector who both go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee boasts of his own righteousness, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus teaches that it is the tax collector who is justified before God, not the Pharisee. The chapter ends with Jesus healing a blind man who calls out to him for mercy. Jesus' response is to ask the man what he wants, and the man responds that he wants to see. Jesus then heals the man, demonstrating the power of faith and prayer. Luke 18 is a powerful reminder of the power of faith and prayer. Jesus teaches that God will answer the prayers of his people, and that it is humility and faith that will be rewarded. The chapter also demonstrates the power of Jesus to heal and restore those who call out to him in faith.