Study Bible
Luke
Chapter 18

Luke 18:1-14

Luke 18:1-14Luke: List of Major Bible Charts, Maps, & PicturesJesus' Journey to Jerusalem

Luke 18:1-14NIV11-EN

¹Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ²He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ ⁴“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” ⁶And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” ⁹To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ ¹³“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ ¹⁴“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

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Luke 18:1-14

Jesus spoke of two attitudes in prayer: (1) the preceding context (Luke 17:20-37) and the reference to the second coming (Luke 18:8). These inform us texts that persistence and humility in prayer for the coming of Christ and his final triumph over evil are particularly in view (1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:20), even if that coming is seemingly delayed. There is also a more general principle here regarding the importance of persistent, humble prayer in all matters.

This section contains two parables: the parable of the persistent widow (18:1-8) and the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector (18:9-14).

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

God's people are "already" seated with him in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6) and blessed (Eph. 1:3), thus they are already royal subjects of his covenant Kingdom. While is is indeed an honor to be subjects of the Kingdom, Kingdom life in the "now, but not yet" is difficult and one should not give up. Rather God's subjects, his sons and daughters, should pray always. God is immanent. God listens to his people. He listens to prayer. He did not just windup the world and set it in motion and than remain removed from what was happening. Rather he is involved. So, involved that he sent his Son to literally die for his people. He is close. He is listening. He is concerned. He is present. He is working. He is ruling.

Paul says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Col. 3:1-4; cf. Tit. 2:11-14). Once again, we see the "now" of the Kingdom ("you have been raised with Christ") and Paul says s focus on the "not yet" of the Kingdom ("Set your minds on things above" . . . "you also will appear with him in glory"). Christ initiated his Kingdom, it continues through his Church, and the consummation is still coming. God's Kingdom while already here (the "now" - initiated and continuing) is coming in its fulness (the "not yet" - its consummation). He will vindicate his people. "God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?" (Luke 18:7).

With this brief introduction now we may begin to see the parable in the light it was meant to be seen in. Jesus sets the stage and introduces two main characters: (1) a judge, who does not fear God or care about men (Luke 18:2, 4) and (2) a persistent widow (Luke 18:3, 5). A widow was among the most vulnerable people in Jewish society. She was to be looked after by others (Deut. 10:18; 14:29; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 26:1213; 27:19; Psa. 94:6; Is 1:17, 23; 10:2; Jer. 5:28; 7:6; 22:3; Ezek. 22:7; Mal. 3:5). In a civil dispute a judge would be responsible for dealing with the woman's claims. Since she is alone, if she is to find real justice, the judge must supply it.

What was Jesus teaching? Hughes says, "The parable of the unjust judge and the pestering widow is a parable of contrast. The clear lesson of the parable is that God is not like the judge, for God is good and gracious. And we are not like the nameless widow, for we are his chosen ones. So a distressed bugging of God is in fact inadequate prayer."

If an unjust judge looked after a widow, whom he saw as a mere pest, how much more shall the just Judge of the earth, lovingly care for his chosen people, who are full of faith. Continual prayer by God's people is not to pester God into submission to our wills (cf. 1 Kings 18:26-28) and should not be entered into with the attitude that if I may ring God's doorbell xxx number of times I can get what I desire from God. This - a prayer of idolatry - is not what the parable is teaching. It rather teaches that a true believer constantly prays because they have faith that their King is coming again to vindicate them. Jesus is coming again. As King he is also the Judge. His judgment at his coming shall be immediate.

In closing, Hughes comments on Luke 18:8 saying:

As we live in the not yet, longing for the return of the Son of Man, Jesus' closing question has the same force as it did in A.D. 33: "However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). Jesus' question implies that such faith will not be found on earth unless his disciples learn to "always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1).
Jesus was saying that continual prayer until he comes is not only the evidence of faith, but the means of building faith until his return. The God to whom we pray is not like the unjust judge who could only be badgered into responding, for our God is loving and gracious. And we are not like the nameless widow, for we are his chosen ones. Because of this, he delights to hear and quickly answer our prayers until he comes.
"When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Yes, he will, if we have learned to live a life of prayer in the not yet.

Luke 18:1

parable. See note on 8:4. pray. Parables often caused confusion (Matt. 13:26; 15:15). Here, Luke gave the reader direction for understanding the parable from the beginning (see 18:9; 19:11). Jesus wanted his disciples to continually pray without discouragement (see 1 Thess. 5:17; Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22).

Luke 18:2

The judge was indifferent to everyone. Thus, he ruled without accountability or a concern for justice.

Luke 18:3

widow. One of the most vulnerable people in society at that time. The woman had no influence and few resources. came often. The widow had no one to speak for her, so she spoke for herself. She was persistent in her plea for justice from the judge.

Luke 18:4-5

The widow eventually received justice from the judge. Though, not because the judge cared about her or doing what was right (v. 6). He was simply tired of her relentless pursuit of justice.

Luke 18:6-7

In contrast to the unjust judge, God will surely hear the prayers of his people. The judge grew tired of the woman's pleas. However, God loves his people and delights to answer their prayers (11:9-13; Rom. 8:14-17). justice. Could be rescue from trouble (Acts 7:24) or judgment on those afflicting his people (Rev. 6:10; 19:2). chosen. God's people whom he has graciously called out of sinful humanity for salvation. This calling was based on his sovereign choice (John 15:16; Rom. 9:9-18; Eph. 1:3-14). delay. Unlike the judge (vv. 3-4), God will not put off responding to his people's prayers.

Luke 18:8

justice . . . speedily. Final justice brought by the return of Christ may seem slow in coming. But it will come according to God's plan (2 Pet. 3:9). While we wait, temporary relief is given (John 14:12-14) and God's people are told to not lose heart in prayer (v. 1). find faith. Jesus has given us every reason to trust him by dying and rising again (Rom. 8:31-39). In this context, trusting him looks like a life of persistent prayer and faithfulness as we wait for his return (11:2; 12:35-40). If we fail to pray, then it shows we do not trust God.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Once again Jesus addresses the issue of prayer. Again, Jesus introduces two main figures, this time: (1) a Pharisee and (2) a tax-collector. A contrast is intended. Pharisees were the respected of society. Josephus says, "a body of Jews known for surpassing the others in the observance of piety and exact interpretation of the laws" (Jewish Wars 1.5.2, 110). On the other hand, tax collectors were the scum of Jewish society. Words that come to mind are "monsters," "traitors," and "despicable." They were not allowed to hold public office or even give testimony in court. They were outcasts, untouchables, considered mere pimps prostituting the streets.

The Pharisees' prayer is (Luke 18:11-12):

(1) made standing up
(2) loud
(3) full of pride
(4) bragging
(5) unloving and judgmental
(6) is self-serving

This religious man has done it all. Bock says, "After reading his prayer, we wonder whether God should apply to be his assistant!"

On the other hand, the tax-collector's prayer was (Luke 18:13):

(1) at a distance away from the crowds
(2) one of humilit
(3) one of confession (not "a" sinner, but "the" sinner)
(4) one demonstrating the need of mercy and grace
(5) of fewer words than that of the Pharisee

Jesus referring to the tax-collector says, "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). The Pharisee left the Temple unaccepted, unjustified, and under God's wrath while the tax-collector - this chief of sinners - left the Temple justified. The Pauline doctrine of justification by faith has its roots here in the teaching of Jesus. Paul says in Romans 3:21-22, "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. . . . "

Luke 18:9

parable. See note on 8:4. righteous . . . despised. Jesus directed his teaching toward those who trusted in themselves to be right with God. They were prideful and looked down on others who seemed less godly (see Ezek. 33:13). See WLC 145.

Luke 18:10

There was an incredible contrast between these two men who both sought God in prayer. Pharisee. Jewish laymen known for their dedication for God's law and reputations for righteousness (see note on 5:17). tax collector. Men despised for working with Rome. They were outsiders to the community and thought to be especially sinful (see note on 3:12).

Luke 18:11-12

stood. A normal posture of prayer in biblical times. about himself. Five times in this short prayer, the Pharisee emphasized his religious activities and lack of obvious sins. thank you. He rightly thanked God for keeping him from sin and involved in the religious life of his people. However, his mistake was in trusting his righteousness for salvation (v. 9). No one can ever be made right with God on the basis of their obedience to God (Rom. 3:19-20; Gal. 2:16). Human righteousness is insufficient to meet God's standard (Ps. 143:2; Rom. 3:10).

Luke 18:13-14

See WLC 185.

Luke 18:13

tax collector. He was a dramatic contrast to the Pharisee (vv. 10-12; see note on 3:12). standing at a distance. Everything about the man's posture and position shows that he felt unworthy to stand before God in prayer. mercy. This is not the normal word for mercy in the New Testament. Instead, it's the word which speaks to the satisfaction of God's wrath (propitiation) as atonement is made for sins (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). It was a word associated with the sacrifice made on Israel's Day of Atonement (Exod. 25:17-22; 37:6-8; Lev. 16:15-16; Heb. 2:17). The Pharisee boasted before God, while the tax collector appealed to God for atonement which brings forgiveness (Ps 25:11; 65:3; 78:38; 79:9). sinner. He did not flaunt his righteousness or suppose that he had anything to impress God. He makes no case to convince God to save him. He simply trusts in God's mercy.

Luke 18:14

justified. A legal declaration made by God toward sinners. To be justified is not to be made righteous, but considered righteous by God (Rom. 3:24-26). Sinners are justified by God when they trust Jesus to save them (Rom. 4:5; 5:1, 9; Gal. 2:16). The tax collector looked to God to provide forgiveness and justification as a merciful gift (v. 13). the other. The Pharisee trusted in his own righteousness and was not justified by God (v. 9; Gal. 3:11). exalts . . . humbled. This was an unexpected reversal for Jesus's listeners. They expected the Pharisee to be justified, not the tax collector (see note on 1:51-55).

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