Luke 18

This chapter of Luke is jam-packed. Each story probably deserves its own sermon. When reading sections of scripture with multiple different stories, a helpful question is, “what common themes exist in these stories?” Or, “how do these stories work together to make a claim about Jesus?”

We should also remember that the chapter divisions present in our modern Bibles were not the author's creations. They were added much later to help people navigate the text. Though they are helpful, these texts were intended to be read without the disruptions of chapters and section titles. So, to understand the themes of chapter 18, let us look back to Jesus in chapter 17. Reading the text as one flow of thought will help us discern what the author wants the reader to understand about Jesus & the kingdom. 

Luke 17:20-21 says this,

“20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

(italics added) 

So, here in chapter 18, Jesus is continuing his conversation with the Pharisees, who were constantly trying to trip up, disprove, and rebuke Jesus because they disagreed with his statements about the kingdom of God. 

The Pharisees believed that God would overthrow the Roman occupation of their land, creating a place where the Jews would dwell with God once again. Jesus, however, claimed that He is the King and the Kingdom is here for all who wants to repent and trust in the God of Israel. It is not a political or military kingdom. It is one where the last is considered first and where the love of one’s enemy is a top priority. The parables and stories of Luke 18 are working together to paint a picture of this Kingdom, ruled by Jesus, for all who humble themselves and enter. 

So now, let us put on our Bible Scholar hats. Read each of the parables and stories in Luke 18. Ask yourself the following question as you read:

What is Jesus revealing about the nature of the kingdom through this parable or story? 

Write down a sentence or two in your journal answering the question.

Then, ask yourself: 

What do I need to believe about the kingdom of God today? How will I live differently knowing that I am a member of this kingdom? 

By God’s grace and love, Jesus inaugurated a kingdom of light for all who will humble themselves and follow Him. According to this passage, it is one where there is justice and forgiveness for the humble. The lowly and outcasted have a place. Where true treasure is not in money and material possessions but in the treasure of God himself. 

Let us be citizens and ambassadors of this unfading kingdom.