Thematic Bible




Luke 18:1 (show verse)

He also taught them by a parable that they must always pray and never lose heart.

Luke 18:2 (show verse)

"In a certain town," He said, "there was a judge who had no fear of God and no respect for man.

Luke 18:3 (show verse)

And in the same town was a widow who repeatedly came and entreated him, saying, "'Give me justice and stop my oppressor.'

Luke 18:4 (show verse)

"For a time he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, "'Though I have neither reverence for God nor respect for man,

Luke 18:5 (show verse)

yet because she annoys me I will give her justice, to prevent her from constantly coming to pester me.'"

Luke 18:6 (show verse)

And the Lord said, "Hear those words of the unjust judge.

Luke 18:7 (show verse)

And will not God avenge the wrongs of His own People who cry aloud to Him day and night, although He seems slow in taking action on their behalf?

Luke 18:8 (show verse)

Yes, He will soon avenge their wrongs. Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?"

Luke 18:9 (show verse)

And to some who relied on themselves as being righteous men, and looked down upon all others, He addressed this parable.

Luke 18:10 (show verse)

"Two men went up to the Temple to pray," He said; "one being a Pharisee and the other a tax-gatherer.

Luke 18:11 (show verse)

The Pharisee, standing erect, prayed as follows by himself: "'O God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people--I am not a thief nor a cheat nor an adulterer, nor do I even resemble this tax-gatherer.

Luke 18:12 (show verse)

I fast twice a week. I pay the tithe on all my gains.'

Luke 18:13 (show verse)

"But the tax-gatherer, standing far back, would not so much as lift his eyes to Heaven, but kept beating his breast and saying, "'O God, be reconciled to me, sinner that I am.'

Luke 18:14 (show verse)

"I tell you that this man went home more thoroughly absolved from guilt than the other; for every one who uplifts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be uplifted."

Luke 18:15 (show verse)

On one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.

Luke 18:16 (show verse)

Jesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.

Luke 18:17 (show verse)

I tell you in solemn truth that, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will certainly not enter it."

Luke 18:18 (show verse)

The question was put to Him by a Ruler: "Good Rabbi, what shall I do to inherit the Life of the Ages?"

Luke 18:19 (show verse)

"Why do you call me good?" replied Jesus; "there is no one good but One, namely God.

Luke 18:20 (show verse)

You know the Commandments: 'Do not commit adultery;' 'Do not murder;' 'Do not steal;' 'Do not lie in giving evidence;' 'Honour thy father and thy mother.'"

Luke 18:21 (show verse)

"All of those," he replied, "I have kept from my youth."

Luke 18:22 (show verse)

On receiving this answer Jesus said to him, "There is still one thing wanting in you. Sell everything you possess and give the money to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; and then come, follow me."

Luke 18:23 (show verse)

But on hearing these words he was deeply sorrowful, for he was exceedingly rich.

Luke 18:24 (show verse)

Jesus saw his sorrow, and said, "With how hard a struggle do the possessors of riches ever enter the Kingdom of God!

Luke 18:25 (show verse)

Why, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."

Luke 18:26 (show verse)

"Who then can be saved?" exclaimed the hearers.

Luke 18:27 (show verse)

"Things impossible with man," He replied, "are possible with God."

Luke 18:28 (show verse)

Then Peter said, "See, we have given up our homes and have followed you."

Luke 18:29 (show verse)

"I solemnly tell you," replied Jesus, "that there is no one who has left house or wife, or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of God's Kingdom,

Luke 18:30 (show verse)

who shall not certainly receive many times as much in this life, and in the age that is coming the Life of the Ages."

Luke 18:31 (show verse)

Then He drew the Twelve to Him and said, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything written in the Prophets which refers to the Son of Man will be fulfilled.

Luke 18:32 (show verse)

For He will be given up to the Gentiles, and be mocked, outraged and spit upon.

Luke 18:33 (show verse)

They will scourge Him and put Him to death, and on the third day He will rise to life again."

Luke 18:34 (show verse)

Nothing of this did they understand. The words were a mystery to them, nor could they see what He meant.

Luke 18:35 (show verse)

As Jesus came near to Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the way-side begging.

Luke 18:36 (show verse)

He heard a crowd of people going past, and inquired what it all meant.

Luke 18:37 (show verse)

"Jesus the Nazarene is passing by," they told him.

Luke 18:38 (show verse)

Then, at the top of his voice, he cried out, "Jesus, son of David, take pity on me."

Luke 18:39 (show verse)

Those in front reproved him and tried to silence him; but he continued shouting, louder than ever, "Son of David, take pity on me."

Luke 18:40 (show verse)

At length Jesus stopped and desired them to bring the man to Him; and when he had come close to Him He asked him,

Luke 18:41 (show verse)

"What shall I do for you?" "Sir," he replied, "let me recover my sight."

Luke 18:42 (show verse)

"Recover your sight," said Jesus: "your faith has cured you."

Luke 18:43 (show verse)

No sooner were the words spoken than the man regained his sight and followed Jesus, giving glory to God; and all the people, seeing it, gave praise to God.