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 18:29 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:29 emphasizes the sacrifices that followers of Jesus may need to make for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Jesus addresses his disciples, ensuring them that anyone who has given up their homes, family relationships, or possessions for the sake of the Kingdom will not be left unrewarded.

The verse touches upon the cost of discipleship, underscoring that commitment to the gospel may require profound personal sacrifices.

The deeper meaning implies that spiritual pursuits and the values of the Kingdom of God may conflict with societal and family expectations, and choosing the former can lead to a reordering of one's priorities and life choices.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a conversation recorded in the Gospel of Luke, penned by the author Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul.

The Gospel was written around AD 60-80, a period where the early Christian community often faced difficult choices, including persecution for their beliefs.

New converts sometimes had to leave behind their former lives and relationships.

The instruction by Jesus may have reassured early Christians that the sacrifices they were making in their personal lives were seen and valued by God.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant within Christian doctrine as it touches on the theme of sacrifice and reward in the Kingdom of God.

For some Christian theologians, this passage exemplifies the idea that earthly sacrifices made for God's sake will be rewarded both in this life and in the life to come.

Other theologians may focus on the eschatological implications, viewing the verse as a reminder of the transitory nature of earthly connections compared to eternal life.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 18:29 can be applied to everyday decisions and lifestyle choices.

It may inspire individuals to prioritize their faith even when it comes with a personal cost, such as facing opposition from loved ones or giving up certain comforts for the sake of Christian missions or service.

The verse also encourages believers to find a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends material possessions and earthly bonds.

Cross-References

Mark 10:29-30: "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Matthew 19:29: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

Language Study

The original Greek terms used in Luke 18:29 carry significant meanings:

"Left" (aphiēmi): Often translates as leaving, forgiving, deserting, or letting go.
"House" (oikia): Literally house, but also can mean household or family.
"Kingdom of God" (basileia tou Theou): Refers to the reign or rule of God.

It is the central theme of Jesus' teachings.

Understanding these terms enhances the comprehension of the sacrifices being discussed, leaving one's familiar life and relationships for the transformative rule of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the call to sacrifice for spiritual beliefs is not unique to Christianity.

In various ancient myths, heroes often give up worldly ties for a higher purpose.

In other religions, such as Hinduism or Buddhism, letting go of attachments is a key spiritual practice.

Luke 18:29 might be compared to such beliefs, highlighting a universal spiritual theme of prioritizing transcendent purposes over worldly bonds.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, studies on altruism or self-sacrifice for higher causes can give insight into the psychological and sociological implications of verses like Luke 18:29.

Evolutionary biology and psychology explore the benefits of altruistic behavior within communities, perhaps offering parallels to the communal and individual rewards mentioned in scripture.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Luke 18:29.

Some suggest that it should be understood hyperbolically, stressing the priority of spiritual commitments without necessarily endorsing the severance of familial bonds. Others take it more literally, recognizing the early church's context where converts often faced this reality.

Commentators also point out the reciprocal nature of God's Kingdom, where sacrifices lead to blessings, underscoring the theme of divine justice and reward.

Luke 18

Luke 18

What does Luke 18:29 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 18:29 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?