Day 303 – Luke 18

Talking Points

• Jesus encouraged His followers to be consistent, even dogged, in their prayer life. His example is a call “not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1). This is one great word that means to faint or fade in weariness. If an evil man responds favorably because of the woman’s continual pleading, how much more can we trust the response of our gracious, kind, benevolent God?
• Again, Jesus raised the issue of wealth. The rich, young ruler was confronted with the truth that Jesus must hold the place of priority in a believer’s life. God knows human nature makes it difficult and even unlikely that someone consumed with worldly gain would turn to Him.
• As blind Bartimaeus called out to the Lord, he addressed Jesus as “the Son of David” (18:38). This was a title for the promised Messiah. It was a name that would have been recognized by the Jewish people. Simply, Baritmaeus knew who Jesus was. How ironic that a blind man clearly saw what the highly trained Pharisees and scribes had missed.
• Jesus prophesies His betrayal, arrest, abuse, death, and resurrection. All for you. All for me. All for the glory of our King.

Thoughts

Pride is a terrible thing. It is a barrier to knowing Christ. It is a barrier to walking with Christ. Pride is completely opposite of our Savior’s nature. Perhaps that is why God abhors it so.

In Jesus’ parable, people who trust in their own righteousness (an extreme act of pride) end up looking down on others, eventually holding them in hateful contempt. “We can’t stand those people.” That’s the natural result. Likewise, people who trust their own righteousness end up exalting themselves. “Hey! Look at my good deeds. I’m so not like them.” It is also the natural result.

Today, may we be sure — any righteousness comes from Jesus alone. May we be certain that our hope, our only hope, is in Him. And, may that then propel us to love others, lifting them up. Rather than falling into the trap of pride and self-exaltation, may we be known for our kindness, humility, and love — just like the One we follow.