Luk 18 | Mont | STEP | He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart.

‏ Luke 18

1 He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart. 2 "There was a certain town," he said, "a judge who had neither reverence for God, nor respect for man. 3 "In that same town there was a widow who came again and again before him, saying, "‘Do for me the justice of my adversary.’ 4 "For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, ‘Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, 5 "‘yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.’ 6 "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. 7 "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? 8 "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"

9 Moreover he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves because they were righteous, and looked down upon the rest. 10 "Two men are going up to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a tax-gatherer. 11 "The Pharisee stood apart and thus began to pray by himself. "‘O God, I thank thee that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax gatherer; 12 "‘I fast twice a week, I pay tithes of all my possessions.’ 13 "But the tax-gatherer, standing far back, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but kept beating his breast and saying, "‘O God be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 "I tell you that this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself shall be humbled; but he who humbles himself shall be exalted."

15 And they kept bringing their babies for him to touch them; but when his disciples saw it they began to rebuke them. 16 But Jesus called for the babies. "Let the little children come to me," he said, "do not hinder them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 17 "I tell you in solemn truth that whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, he will never get into it."

18 A ruler put this question to him. "Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 "Why are you calling me ‘good’?"said Jesus to him; "no one is good but God. 20 "You know the commandments. "Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother." 21 "All of these," he replied, "I have kept from my youth up." 22 And receiving this reply, Jesus said to him. "One thing you are still lacking. Sell all that you have and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me." 23 But when he heard these words he became deeply grieved, for he was exceedingly rich. 24 Jesus looked at him and said. "How hard it is for those who have money to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 Why, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." 26 "Who then can be saved?" exclaimed his hearers. 27 "Things that are impossible with men," he answered them, "are possible with God." 28 Then Peter said, "Look! we have left our homes and followed you." 29 And he said to them, "In Solemn truth I tell you that there is no one who, for the sake of the kingdom of God, has left houses, or wife, or brother, or parents, or children, 30 "who shall not certainly receive many times as much in this time, and in the age to come eternal."

31 Then he took the twelve aside and told them. "See, we are on our way to Jerusalem, and all prophets regarding the son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 "He will be betrayed to the Gentiles, and be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon; 33 "and they will scourge and kill him; and the third day he will rise again." 34 But they understood none of these sayings. His words were a mystery to them, and they did not know what he meant.

35 As Jesus drew near to Jericho, there was a blind man who sat by the wayside begging. 36 He heard the crowd passing and asked what the matter was. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 Then he shouted out, saying, "Jesus, son of David, take pity on me!" 39 Those who went ahead began to reprove him and to tell him to be still; but he kept clamorously shouting all the more, "Son of David, take pity on me!" 40 So Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought to him. When he was come near to him he asked him 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord," he answered, "that I might see again." 42 "Receive your sight," said Jesus, "your faith has saved you." 43 Instantly he regained his sight and followed Jesus, giving glory to God; and all the people who saw it gave praise to God.