Luke 18 reads like a puzzle of characters Jesus pieced together to teach people across all ages, of different backgrounds, how to come to God. A widow, a Pharisee, a tax collector, children, a rich young ruler, and a blind beggar—every individual significantly distinct from the other, and yet, a common thread passes through each of them; God welcomes the faithful, the humble, and the trusting.

The chapter opens with a parable of the persistent widow. She keeps pleading for justice before a judge until he finally responds. Jesus uses this parable to encourage us not to give up in our prayers. Even more so because God is the ultimate just judge, keen and kind, He invites His people to pray faithfully and patiently, obedient to His will and His way.

Next, Jesus tells of two men praying in a temple. A Pharisee elevates himself by proclaiming his good deeds and comparing himself to others, while a tax collector simply seeks forgiveness for his sins. Jesus highlights that humble men are made right with God. God turns away from pride and self-righteousness, but turns toward our hearts, delighting in repentance and humility.

Jesus then embraces little children, explaining that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like the children, fully trusting, devoid of any guiles. What we often forget as we age is that faith is not about earning God’s love; it is about receiving and exemplifying it completely.

Jesus proceeds to correct a rich young ruler. The rich young ruler struggles because he cannot let go of what he treasures most. His story challenges us to ask whether anything in our lives is more important than following Jesus. True faith requires total surrender, but Jesus assures us that what we gain from God surpasses all we give up.

Finally, a blind beggar cries out to Jesus for mercy. He perseveres against others’ resistance. His faith leads not only to healing but to praise. Those who know their profound need for Jesus are often those who see most clearly.

Such are hearts after God’s own—persistent in prayer, humble and earnest in repentance, childlike in trust, and wholehearted in faith. Whatever the time of day, presenting ourselves before God, emptied of our self, full of our lack, we are made whole in God’s grace.

Discussion Questions:

• Who in Luke 18 do you relate to the most? Why?

• How important is success and recognition in today’s society to you? Why?

• What does God require of us before granting us eternal life?