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 18:40 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:40 tells of an incident where Jesus interacts with a blind man on the road to Jericho.

In this verse, Jesus stands still and commands that the blind man be brought to Him.

Upon the man's approach, Jesus inquires about his desire.

The significance of Jesus standing still suggests that He is pausing His journey to attend to an individual in need, demonstrating His compassion and willingness to engage with those who are marginalized.

The act of Jesus questioning the blind man indicates His interest in personal engagement and His recognition of the man's autonomy and ability to articulate his needs.

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Historical Context

Luke 18:40 is set in the context of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, which Luke narrates from Luke 9:51 to Luke 19:44.

During this period, Jesus travels with His disciples and engages with various individuals and groups, teaching and performing miracles.

The event with the blind man occurs as Jesus is nearing Jericho, a city located several miles northeast of Jerusalem.

Jericho was a significant city during biblical times due to its location near the Jordan River and as a trade route.

The presence of a blind beggar by the roadside would not have been uncommon, as those with disabilities or illnesses often resorted to begging in the absence of a social welfare system.

Theological Insights

This verse displays several theological themes. One is the mercy and compassion of Jesus as He attends to those in suffering and need. It also reflects the idea that Jesus is approachable and responsive to faith, a characteristic that is central to the Christian understanding of Jesus' nature.

Additionally, by asking the blind man what he wanted, Jesus affirms his dignity and gives him agency, which can be seen as a reflection of God valuing the desires and free will of His creation.

Practical Applications

There are multiple ways to apply the teachings of Luke 18:40 in daily life. In particular, one can emulate Jesus' example by being attentive and responsive to those who are disadvantaged or seeking help.

The verse encourages individuals to take time out of their routine to assist others and to engage with them in a manner that respects their dignity and autonomy.

Additionally, it serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority or capability should be approachable, listening to and addressing the needs of others.

Cross-References

Luke 18:35-43 describes the entire event where the blind man receives his sight after expressing his faith in Jesus.
Mark 10:46-52 provides another account of Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus.
Matthew 20:30-34 narrates a similar incident where two blind men call out to Jesus for mercy.
Luke 7:22 where Jesus speaks about the blind receiving sight as a sign of the coming Kingdom.
Psalm 146:8 praising the Lord who "openeth the eyes of the blind."

Language Study

The original Greek text of the New Testament uses the verb "prosagagein" (προσαγαγεῖν), which is translated as "brought." This indicates bringing someone into the presence of another.

The term "ephrōtēsen" (ἐπηρώτησεν) means "he asked," which implies a direct and personal question from Jesus.

It suggests an engagement that is both intentional and attentive.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this event to other ancient myths and religious narratives, one can observe patterns of deities or holy figures performing acts of healing or granting sight to the blind.

In many cultures, the restoration of sight has symbolized enlightenment and overcoming spiritual or intellectual darkness.

For example, in Hindu mythology, the god Krishna is often depicted as performing miracles that heal and reveal truths.

In these narratives, the divine response to human suffering also emphasizes compassion and transformative power.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, restoring sight to the blind through miraculous means, as described in the Bible, does not have an empirical basis. Modern medicine understands blindness due to various conditions, some of which can be treated through surgeries or therapies.

However, instantaneous healing as described in Luke 18:40 falls outside the realm of scientific explanation and is regarded as a matter of faith within the Christian tradition.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 18:40 often emphasize Jesus' compassion and His role as a healer.

According to the Matthew Henry Commentary, this verse reflects the readiness of Christ to hear and answer the prayers of those in need.

The Pulpit Commentary highlights the importance of the blind man's faith and Jesus' willingness to acknowledge and reward that faith.

Meanwhile, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the significance of Jesus' personal interaction with the blind man, seeing it as an example of His concern for the individual, regardless of the person's social status.

Commentators agree that this moment underscores the Christian beliefs of Jesus' divine authority, compassion for the marginalized, and the importance of faith.

Luke 18

Luke 18

What does Luke 18:40 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 18:40 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?