Jesus continues His teaching through the parables using plain language to teach different aspects about the kingdom of God. He also affirms the way He will die.
Luke 18: The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.
3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'"
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Let the Children Come to Me
15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
The Rich Ruler
18 And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
20 You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour your father and mother.'"
21 And he said, "All these I have kept from my youth."
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, "How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?"
27 But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
28 And Peter said, "See, we have left our homes and followed you."
29 And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."
Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.
32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon.
33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise."
34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.
37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
38 And he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him,
41 "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me recover my sight."
42 And Jesus said to him, "Recover your sight; your faith has made you well."
43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Things to think about…
1. In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus speaks about this woman who keeps coming back to the un-just judge. It is symbolic of the believer constantly coming back to the Father, a just judge, who will give speedily to those who call out. Often, we don’t receive what we ask for and give up praying. If this is the case, as the parable suggests, how persistent are you with your prayers to the Lord? We give up very easily don’t we. Discouragement is powerful weapon in satan’s armoury against persistent, consistent prayer. Sometimes this is because the need is in fact not a need, but a want. Discerning the difference should be reflected in our persistence in prayer. Have you ever received a breakthrough and a mighty answer to prayer after persistently praying? Jesus asks in this context, “will He find faith on the earth”, vs 8, when He returns? Praying with faith asks that God’s kingdom comes. This is ultimately fulfilled when He returns, but is evident when a sinner repents and accepts Christ as their saviour.
2. Jesus reminds the disciples of what heart attitude is required for true believers, Luke 18:9-17, through the attitude of the repentant tax collector and the willing heart of children. Religious bigotry and hardness of heart are condemned at every point by Jesus. Our Lord reminds His disciples as he did in Luke 10:21 that children are favoured due to having a child like faith. May we be the same.
3. The rich ruler, Luke 18:18-30, who we know from the other gospels was also young. He was likely a ruler or next in line to rule over a synagogue. They were wealthy and he asked to sell everything, give to the poor and follow Jesus. He clearly wanted to justify himself but had an issue with giving up his possessions. A covetous spirit was on clear display. Jesus challenges this by saying it’s hard for rich people to enter heaven. But he then goes on to say we must leave our wives, brothers, children and parents, vs 29. Seems a bit extreme doesn’t it; or is it? How do you reconcile Christ’s statement with your present lifestyle? Look at the promises in vs 30. They include blessings in this life and the next. What does it look like to give up everything in this life? I think it means asking the Lord to have His way in us no matter what that looks like. Wives, husbands, children and parents are our closest relations while on earth. I believe leaving them means leaving their attitudes when they reject Christ’s clear teaching. This is easier said than done. But you may be the only voice that allows them to ponder the truth of their accountability before God. Keep leaving their fallen values and opinions and show them the way that leads to eternal life.
4. Jesus foretells his death in a fair amount of detail in Luke 18:31-34, yet the disciples didn’t understand. What Jesus said seems fairly plain to me as I read it. I am sure you feel the same. How is it that the disciples didn’t quite get it? Do you ever miss plain messages given by those who love you, because of a biased predisposition on the subject being spoken about? How can you avoid this from happening in the future? Jesus tells them plainly that He will rise from the dead. Surely this is good news, but when you see the Saviour as only an earthly deliverer from Roman rule, death is a repugnant consideration and their minds were closed.
5. I love the impulsiveness of the blind beggar at Jericho, Luke 10:31-43. He is blind. He does not care if he is making a scene, embarrassing himself or others. Not that he was yelling out “Son of David…”, vs 38,39. This was a title of Messiah. This man already had faith and now wants to see the power of the Messiah work in healing his sight. Jesus is the Healer and this man wants to be healed. This is how it is for a person driven by the Spirit to seek salvation. Pray the Lord raises up this type of concern. It is certainly very rare in our day. He is healed and immediately follows Jesus. He does not need to be told. He has received everything of value from Jesus, why would he not. Our souls have been saved, following Jesus is the most natural act in the world. Note that even those who rebuked the man initially were now rejoicing in the miracle this man had received. Sometimes appreciation for a bold act comes after the blessing. This is ultimately true for ever believer who always talks about Jesus but is longing for heaven.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell groups are encouraged to do alpha training at church on Wednesday night 6:30pm.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Tad as he prepares for the celebration of life service for his brother Andrew, Wed 19th 10am at church.
2. Pray for the Kids Klub starting in Term 3 Fri 28th July.
3. Pray for alpha course starting 26th July Wed 6:30pm at Church. Invite non-Christians.
4. Pray about Sunday’s message that it would change lives.
5. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
7. Pray for Kids@church.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Andrew has gone to be with the Lord having passed on Saturday morning. He is free from pain and rejoicing with His Saviour around the throne.
2. Give thanks for Sally who has consistently been able to come to church with Richard.
3. Some encouraging signs of those wanting to consider who Jesus was.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Andrew Proszynski’s funeral will be held at Chuwar Baptist Church at 10am on Wed 19th July.
2. Alpha Course starting on Wed 26th July – 6:30pm – invite non Christians to this course.
3. Friday afternoon Kids Klub – starting third term Fri 28th July – 3pm (3:30pm start) - 5:30pm.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for July...
Q. 10. Where is God? A. God is everywhere.
Psalm 139:7-12; Acts 17:27-28; Jeremiah 23:23-24.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
