Luke 18

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

What does Luke 18:17 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:17 emphasizes the importance of a certain attitude when it comes to entering the kingdom of God – that of a child.

This suggests a purity, innocence, and openness that children typically embody. To "receive the kingdom of God" is to be fully open to the experiences, teachings, and spiritual relationship offered by God.

The verse implies that such an attitude is not only desirable but essential; without it, one cannot be part of God’s kingdom. This poses a stark contrast to attitudes of self-sufficiency, pride, or complexity that often come with adulthood.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a passage in the Gospel of Luke where people were bringing babies to Jesus for Him to touch them.

The disciples, seeing this, rebuked them, likely thinking of preserving Jesus’ time for more 'important' tasks.

Jesus' response subverts the cultural norms of the time that may have placed less value on children.

In the historical context, Jesus uses the situation to teach a profound lesson about spiritual receptivity and the nature of the kingdom of God.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives weigh in on the exact interpretation of this verse.

In Catholicism, this verse may be seen to highlight the importance of baptism and being spiritually reborn.

In Evangelical circles, it often reads as an appeal to personal conversion that involves a humble and repentant heart.

Most Christian traditions agree that the verse underscores the necessity of humility, trust, and receptiveness in one’s relationship with God.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse could involve self-examination and personal humility.

It encourages believers to approach God and their spiritual walk without arrogance or presumption.

This teaching might inspire individuals to have a faith that trusts completely in God, much like a child trusts their parents, without cynicism or doubt.

It also invites adults to rekindle a sense of wonder and straightforward belief in their spiritual lives.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:3: "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Mark 10:15: "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."

Language Study

In this verse, "kingdom of God" (Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ) can be understood in a holistic sense, involving both the present spiritual reign of God and the future realization of that reign.

"As a little child" (ὡς παιδίον) implies the characteristics of children which are essential for receiving the kingdom - openness, dependency, and humility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This teaching has parallels in various religious traditions where child-like qualities are celebrated.

For instance, in Hinduism, the idea of simplicity and purity of heart is idolized in approaches to the divine.

In Buddhism, a child-like beginner's mind, free of preconceptions, is considered beneficial in the pursuit of enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology often validates the qualities of openness and flexibility seen in children, recognizing the benefits of such attributes for learning and creativity.

The field tends to agree that child-like curiosity can lead to better problem-solving and adaptation, indirectly supporting the idea that such attributes are commendable.

Commentaries

Commentators like William Barclay have pointed out the essential nature of the child-like attitude in this verse, not as a naivety but as a trustful surrender to God's will. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the grace of God in allowing people to come to Him with simplicity.

Most commentaries concur that the central teaching is about the inner qualities that should characterize believers.

Luke 18

Luke 18

What does Luke 18:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 18:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?