THE BOOK OF LUKE

 

Luke Chapter 18

1 ¶ Jesus then told them a parable to the effect, that men should always pray, and not lose heart;

2 Saying, There was in a certain city a judge, who did not fear God, or care about men:

3 And there was a widow in that city; who came to him, saying, Grant me justice against my adversary.

4 And for some time he refused: but finally he said to himself, Even though I do not fear God, or care about men;

5 Yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will avenge her, so that she does not wear me out by continually coming.

6 And the Lord said, Think about what the unjust judge said.

7 Will not God grant justice to his chosen, who cry to him day and night, though he bears long with them?

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

9 ¶ And he spoke this parable to those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and looked down on others:

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

11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed thus to himself, God, I thank you, that I am not like other men are, extortioners, evil doers, adulterers, or even like this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of everything I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not even look up to heaven, but beat upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you that this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one who exalts himself will be humbled; and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

15 ¶ People also brought babies to Jesus, so that he might touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called them over, and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them: for of such is the kingdom of God.

17 I tell you truly, Whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

18 ¶ Then a certain ruler asked him, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus answered, Why do you call me good? no one is good, except one, that is, God.

20 You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother.

21 And he said, I have kept all these things from my youth.

22 Now when Jesus heard this, he said to him, You yet lack one thing: sell everything you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he became very sad: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sad, he said, How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!

25 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.

26 And those who heard it said, Who then can be saved?

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

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

29 And he said to them, I tell you truly, No one who has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,

30 Will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the world to come life everlasting.

31 ¶ Then he took the twelve aside, and said to them, Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets concerning the Son of man will come to pass.

32 For he will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked, and treated spitefully, and spit on:

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

34 But they did not understand any of these things: what he said was a mystery to them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

35 ¶ And it happened, that as he approached Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road side begging:

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

37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

38 And he shouted, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

39 And those who led the way rebuked him, and told him to be quiet: but he shouted all the louder, Son of David, have mercy on me.

40 And Jesus stood still, and ordered the man to be brought to him: and when he came near, he asked him,

41 What do you want me to do for you? And he said, Lord, I want to receive my sight.

42 And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight: your faith has saved you.

43 And he immediately received his sight, and followed Jesus, glorifying God: and when all the people saw it, they also praised God.