ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 18

Luke 18:1–8 This parable consists of a “lesser to greater” argument (see note on 11:11–13).

Luke 18:2 nor respected man. He gave no one special treatment, whether great or small.

Luke 18:7 If an unjust judge finally grants the widow’s “prayer,” how much more will God hear the prayers of his elect? Compare 12:22–31; see also Deut. 32:10.

Luke 18:8 will he find faith on earth? The answer is yes. Jesus asks this question to encourage his disciples to watchfulness and prayer (see vv. 1, 7).

Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple. The temple was situated on hill above the rest of Jerusalem (see Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus). tax collector. See note on Matt. 5:46–47.

Luke 18:11 standing. The normal posture of prayer. God, I thank you that I. The five “I’s” in this passage reveal the self-centeredness of the Pharisee. Rather than expressing thanks for what God has done for him, he brags about his own moral purity and religious faithfulness.

Luke 18:12 I fast twice a week. The OT law apparently required only one fast a year, on the Day of Atonement. tithes of all that I get. See Deut. 14:22–27, which required a tithe of the crops; see also Lev. 27:30–32; Num. 18:21–24.

Luke 18:13 would not even lift up his eyes to heaven . . . beat his breast. This was a sign of sorrow and remorse (compare 23:48). God, be merciful to me, a sinner. The stark contrast between the sinner’s regret and the Pharisee’s self-righteousness is key to understanding the parable.

Luke 18:14 Jesus pronounces a shocking reversal of common expectations (see 14:11 and Introduction: Key Themes). The Pharisee thought he was “righteous” (18:9) and tried to justify himself (compare 16:15). The tax collector depended on God’s mercy. As a result he received God’s gift of righteousness and was pronounced justified.

Luke 18:15 touch them. That is, bless them (compare 5:13; 6:19). Were bringing suggests that this was a frequent occurrence in Jesus’ ministry.

Luke 18:16–17 Let the children come. Jesus’ attitude toward children contrasted significantly with that of other religious leaders in Judaism. In most ancient cultures children were regarded as a burden until they were physically strong enough to contribute to the family. For to such belongs does not mean children automatically belong to the kingdom but that the kingdom belongs to “such”—that is, to those who possess childlike trust (see note on Mark 10:13–15; compare Matt. 18:4). like a child. That is, in childlike faith.

Luke 18:18 ruler. See note on Matt. 19:16. Probably a ruler of a synagogue (Luke 8:41) or member of the Sanhedrin (23:13; 24:20).

Luke 18:19 Why do you call me good? Jesus does not let the ruler’s superficial view of “goodness” go unchallenged (see note on Mark 10:18). No one is good except God alone. Only by understanding that God is infinitely good can the ruler discover that human good deeds cannot earn eternal life.

Luke 18:20 You know the commandments. See note on Matt. 19:17. “Do not.” Although only commandments 6 through 10 (Ex. 20:13–16) are mentioned, Luke expects his readers to assume that the first five (Ex. 20:1–12) are also included (see Luke 10:25–28).

Luke 18:21 All these I have kept from my youth. See note on Mark 10:20.

Luke 18:22 One thing you still lack refers to the kingdom of God (vv. 24–25), salvation (v. 26), and eternal life (v. 18). Sell all that you have. See notes on Matt. 19:21; Mark 10:21. Compare Luke 5:11; 28; 14:33; 18:28. Jesus shows that the ruler has not really kept the commandments, and he clarifies the meaning of true repentance. treasure in heaven. In 12:33 this refers to the rewards believers will receive in heaven, but here it means eternal life itself (compare 18:24–25). follow me. See note on 9:23.

Luke 18:23 very sad. The ruler had kept neither the first commandment nor the tenth, for riches were his god and he desired them more than God.

Luke 18:25 it is easier for a camel. See note on Matt. 19:24. It is impossible for anyone to enter God’s kingdom on the basis of works, or to desire God above all else, apart from God’s grace.

Luke 18:26 who can be saved? Riches were supposedly a sign of God’s favor. Jesus’ listeners must have wondered, if a rich man, able to offer alms and sacrifices, could not be saved, then who could be?

Luke 18:27 What is impossible with man is possible with God (compare 1:37; Gen. 18:14). Because of God’s power and grace, repenting and following Jesus is possible (see Luke 18:28–30), even for a rich man (19:1–10).

Luke 18:29–30 who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children. Jesus is not encouraging his disciples to abandon their families (compare Eph. 5:25; 6:4), but sometimes family members turn against a believer, or there may be times of temporary separation due to Christian ministry. for the sake of the kingdom. Compare “for my sake and for the gospel” (Mark 10:29) and “for my name’s sake” (Matt. 19:29). eternal life. The story of the rich ruler ends where it began, with the issue of eternal life (Luke 18:30; compare v. 18).

Luke 18:31 we are going up to Jerusalem. See note on Mark 10:32; see Luke 9:51–53; 13:33; 19:28. will be accomplished. The cross is to be seen as the fulfillment of prophecy.

Luke 18:32 Jesus will be delivered over to the Gentiles. Just as Israel was handed over to Gentiles for punishment of their sin in the OT, so Jesus was handed over to bear God’s wrath for the sins of his people. See Acts 2:23.

Luke 18:34 But they (the Twelve) understood none of these things. They could not understand why Jesus was predicting this or how it could possibly fit into God’s plans for the Messiah.

Luke 18:35 a blind man. Named Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46. sitting by the roadside. A good place to beg, for pilgrims heading to Jerusalem would tend to be generous.

Luke 18:38 Matthew reports two blind beggars; see note on Matt. 20:30–31. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. See Luke 17:13. The blind man acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah.

Luke 18:41 Let me recover my sight confirms the man’s great faith. Rather than continuing to beg for money, he seeks a miracle.

Luke 18:42 your faith has made you well. Literally, “saved you”; compare the same Greek verb in 7:50; 8:48. The blind man was healed both physically and spiritually.

Luke 18:43 More than healing takes place, because the beggar becomes Jesus’ disciple (compare 9:23). glorifying God. See 4:15 and note on 4:13–15.