Reading Plan · Day 302
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Luke 16-18
Day 302
Previously · Day 301 · Luke 13-15
The previous day's reading covered several parables from Jesus as His fame increased while He continued to heal people on the Sabbath. This day's reading began with Pharisees wondering why Jesus healed sinners on the Sabbath and ended with Jesus telling a parable that proved the Pharisees were unbelievers because they didn't rejoice over sinners repenting.
Day 302 Read
Where You Stopped
Luke 16
Commentary · verses 1-13
1And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods.
2And he called him, and said unto him, What is this that I hear of thee? render the account of thy stewardship; for thou canst be no longer steward.
1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Commentary · verse 2
It seemed the steward was not a good "steward" of his responsibilities.
3And the steward said within himself, What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed.
4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
5And calling to him each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
6And he said, A hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bond, and sit down quickly and write fifty.
7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. He saith unto him, Take thy bond, and write fourscore.
3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
5So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
6And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
Commentary · verse 7
The steward used his position to forgive debts of others so that those people would give to him once he lost his job.
8And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light.
8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
Commentary · verse 8
The lord commended the steward because he understood Justice well enough to benefit from it in the long term. This parable also could have been directed at the Pharisees that were present who should have realized they were going to be removed by God and should have been "forgiving" Jesus' followers so that these followers would include these Pharisees in this new move of God.
9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.
10He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.
9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Commentary · verse 10
The wise people are those who recognize the physical ought to be used to build spiritual value. Those who are faithful with little will be faithful with much. Those who are unjust with little will be unjust with much.
11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?
13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Commentary · verse 13
Jesus used the principle of non-contradiction to show us that you cannot serve God and mammon (money). We ought to serve God; money ought to serve us.
14And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him.
14And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
Commentary · verse 14
The Pharisees heard Jesus and scoffed (derided; turn up your nose) at Him. They equated God with money. Clearly Jesus' words were bringing conviction to the Pharisees.
15And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Commentary · verse 15
The Pharisees were justifying themselves and not God, and they believed that justifying themselves did justify God.
16The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.
16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Commentary · verse 16
John the Baptist was the beginning of the widening of God's Doctrine beyond the Law.
17But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.
17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Commentary · verse 17
Jesus was fulfilling the Law and widening it. Jesus did not believe doing the Law resulted in sin.
Doctrines on this passage
18Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery.
18Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Commentary · verse 18
Doctrine: Putting away is the ending of the Marriage Covenant and the removal of one of the spouses from the greater community because of unbelief. Divorce, according to the Law, was the ending of the Marriage Covenant between believing spouses with both spouses remaining in community and able to remarry. If Jesus used the word "divorce" instead of "putting away," then Jesus would have been stating that doing the Law (divorce in Deuteronomy 24) resulted in sin, which would have contradicted Jesus' statement in verse 17. If believing spouses do not divorce, but instead put each other away, God still considers them to be married and any sexual intercourse after that to be adultery.
Putting Away and Divorce are two separate Doctrine.
19Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: 20and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Commentary · verses 19-21
Jesus was telling a historical fact. He gave specific names and did not begin this story with a metaphorical introduction such as: "...it is like a man sitting..." Instead, Jesus began this teaching with the line: "There was a certain rich man"...and there was "a certain beggar named Lazarus". This really happened.
22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried.
22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Commentary · verse 22
"Abraham's Bosom" was the "holding place" in hell for the Righteous men and women before Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus first descended and led captivity captive (those in Abraham's Bosom) before He ascended (Ephesians 4:8-10). There are two more compartments in hell. One is called Hades and is where those who face eternal damnation are held. The other is called Tartarus and is for fallen angels according to Jude 1:6.
23And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.
23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Commentary · verses 23-24
Notice, these people still had physical attributes and felt physical sensations.
25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.
26And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us.
25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Commentary · verses 25-26
There was a great gulf that prevented people from leaving their compartment.
27And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house; 28for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Commentary · verses 27-29
Moses (Torah) and the prophets (major and minor) ought to motivate us to avoid ending up in torment.
30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent.
31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.
30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Commentary · verses 30-31
A great miracle (someone raised from the dead) would have no effect on those who are determined not to believe, on those who resist everything written by Moses and the prophets. Belief leading to repentance is founded in a humble heart from a humble thought process. Someone in pride cannot be persuaded of anything other than what they already believe.
Where You Stopped
Luke 17
1And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
Commentary · verse 1
Occasions of stumbling (trap, snare) will come but woe to him through whom they come. We ought not to be a stumblingblock to others.
2It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.
2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Commentary · verse 2
It would be better (more profitable) to be cast into the sea than to "cause one of these little ones to stumble." Dying would make the person not unprofitable. Leading others to stumble makes the person unprofitable.
3Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Commentary · verse 3
Matthew 18:15-17 and this verse are intended to result in more agreement. These verses are intended to be a benefit to the church! Here's how:
- If your brother (another believer) trespasses against you, rebuke (confront) him for his benefit.
- If he repents, forgive him.
This means that if he hears you and does not repent you ought to extend him mercy because he is a fellow believer and believers are all part of the same body (all connected).
Notice, Jesus said we must confront a believer that sins against us. When unbelievers sin against us, we are supposed to instantly forgive so they are judged and we get Rewarded. Notice, we only forgive a believer who hears us if the believer repents. Forgiving the believer who does not repent will result in the believer getting judged, and since we are in community with them, it would result in the community being negatively affected. We ought to be mercy to the believer and let God sort out the situation at Final Judgment with Reward through Justice.
Confronting the person is actually trying to facilitate their repentance now, physically, so they do not lose value to us at Final Judgment, spiritually. From Matthew 18:17, this person could only forfeit their Salvation if they did not hear even when they were confronted in front of the church. These verses were intended to help believers who were falling away as well as resolve misunderstandings that could potentially turn into division.
4And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Commentary · verse 4
Notice, again, we forgive each time as long as the sinning believer repents, not just confesses.
Doctrines on this passage
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Commentary · verse 5
The Disciples asked for their faith to be increased. They wanted more understanding and experience from Christ because they had just heard a complex Doctrine. How many believers do you know who realize we do not forgive believers unless they repent?
6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you.
7But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat; 8and will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded?
10Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.
6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Commentary · verses 6-10
There is no Reward for doing what is expected. There is Reward from doing more than what is expected, like Cain and Abel. Abel got a Reward for giving more. Cain gave what was expected and got angry because he wanted something more from God.
Side-note: If God "expected" something from Cain and his offering, did this mean, even for that moment, that God was not "loving" Cain? (Remember, Jesus' definition of love was "to give a value and expect nothing in return from the person you gave to." - Luke 6:35) If this is the case, wouldn't this prove that defining God as "love" is contradictory?
Doctrines on this passage
11And it came to pass, as they were on the way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee.
12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off: 13and they lifted up their voices, saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were cleansed.
11And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
Commentary · verses 11-14
Notice, the healing occurred while they went to the priests. This was a sign of their faith. They were not healed when they began to go to the priests, but as they went. This proof of their faith resulted in their healing.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God; 16and he fell upon his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
Commentary · verses 15-16
One of the ten immediately went back and thanked God and Jesus. The man was a Samaritan, the people the Jews considered to be an enemy. Jesus was near the border of Judaea and Samaria on His last missionary trip before returning to Jerusalem to be crucified.
17And Jesus answering said, Were not the ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?
19And he said unto him, Arise, and go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Commentary · verses 17-19
Jesus healed ten lepers and only one worshipped Him and gave thanks. Jesus stated his faith had made him whole. It looked like Jesus may have also been speaking of being whole spiritually.
20And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.
20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Commentary · verses 20-21
Today, the Kingdom of God is within those who have the Holy Spirit within them. It is a spiritual kingdom. The Pharisees (and others) were looking for a physical kingdom that would put the Jews as conquerors over every other nation, like the Old Testament.
Commentary · verses 22-37
Verses 22-37: Jesus foretold His second coming.
22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
23And they shall say to you, Lo, there! Lo, here! go not away, nor follow after them: 24for as the lightning, when it lighteneth out of the one part under the heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall the Son of man be in his day.
25But first must he suffer many things and be rejected of this generation.
26And as it came to pass in the days of Noah, even so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
24For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
25But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
Commentary · verse 26
It will be as in the days of Noah - Genesis 6:5 "And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
27They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Commentary · verse 27
Only eight people out of everyone on earth were saved.
28Likewise even as it came to pass in the days of Lot; they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all: 30after the same manner shall it be in the day that the Son of man is revealed.
28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
Commentary · verse 30
We know there were not ten righteous people in all of Sodom otherwise judgment would not have come: Genesis 18:32. We only know of three people who survived the destruction of Sodom: Lot and his two daughters. Both examples Jesus gave had eight or less people being saved among tens (or hundreds?) of thousands of people.
31In that day, he that shall be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away: and let him that is in the field likewise not return back.
32Remember Lot’s wife.
31In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
32Remember Lot’s wife.
Commentary · verse 32
In the other Gospels, Jesus stated verse 31 after mentioning the abomination that causes desolation being put in the temple which occurs in the middle of the Tribulation. Around 3 1/2 years before Jesus' physical return to earth. Verse 32 was the second shortest verse in the Bible. The shortest verse was John 11:35 - "Jesus wept."
33Whosoever shall seek to gain his life shall lose it: but whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
34I say unto you, In that night there shall be two men on one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
35There shall be two women grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
36 37And they answering say unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Where the body is, thither will the eagles also be gathered together.
33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
Commentary · verse 37
Many people interpret this passage as referencing the Rapture of the Church. However, the timing would make this Rapture mid-Tribulation.
Doctrine: There were passages in the Bible supporting a pre-Tribulation Rapture, a mid-Tribulation Rapture, and a post-Tribulation Rapture (a Rapture just before Jesus' physical return to earth at the battle of Armageddon). People have been arguing this point because they believe there is only one Rapture associated with the Tribulation. Actually, all three are right: there are three Raptures during the seven year Tribulation. Where in the Bible does it say there is only one Rapture associated with the Tribulation?
Where You Stopped
Luke 18
Commentary · verses 1-8
Verses 1-8: the Parable of the Unjust Judge.
1And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Commentary · verse 1
The purpose of this parable was to encourage believers to always pray and to not faint.
2saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man: 3and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.
2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Commentary · verse 5
The judge would eventually fulfill the request because the widow was "troubling" him.
6And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge saith.
7And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and yet he is longsuffering over them?
8I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Commentary · verse 8
Even this judge who "feared not God" avenged the woman so we ought to believe that God will avenge His own elect.
Commentary · verses 9-14
Verses 9-14: the Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
9And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought:
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Commentary · verse 9
The purpose of this parable was to confront those who trusted in themselves for their righteousness, yet condemned others.
10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
13But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
14I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11The 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.
12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13And 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.
14I 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.
Commentary · verse 14
We ought to be humble. The Pharisee in this parable felt good about himself at the expense of the other man. In fact, the Pharisee believed he did not need God for anything. The humble man focused on his own inabilities/needs and God's abilities.
15And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.
17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
15And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16But 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.
17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Commentary · verses 15-17
We ought to receive the Kingdom of God as little children (babies) do: humbly.
18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, even God.
18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Jesus said only God is good. Only God is Holy: Right and Just. Only God creates in the long term. This may have been another example of Jesus indirectly stating He was the Son of God.
20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother.
21And he said, All these things have I observed from my youth up.
20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
Commentary · verses 20-21
Salvation was according to the Law. This ruler had done all of that.
22And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
22Now 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.
Commentary · verse 22
Jesus said the man lacked one thing from being the maximum profitability (perfect). He already had Salvation, so Jesus was focused on Reward. Jesus told the man to sell everything and give to the poor so he would have Reward ("treasure in heaven"). Many preachers and believers quote this verse without "...and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." Jesus always gave more in return than what He requested. Then Jesus told him to "follow me," which would be Salvation and the opportunity to have even more Reward.
23But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.
24And Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26And they that heard it said, Then who can be saved?
27But he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25For 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.
26And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
27And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Commentary · verses 23-27
This verse was in the context of who will and will not make it into the Kingdom of God. Jesus explained that it was hard for a rich man to enter heaven. Most rich people live comfortable lives and have to learn by experience, which can take longer if they use their money to solve problems. But, impossible things for men are possible for God.
This statement is often abused. Remember, God is always completely Right and always completely Just…He cannot be wrong or unjust. The context of the statement "things which are impossible with men are possible with God" was concerning rich men entering the Kingdom of God. Essentially, Jesus was saying, "yes, it is hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God, and impossible for men to get there themselves, but it is definitely still possible with God's help."
28And Peter said, Lo, we have left our own, and followed thee.
29And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, 30who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come eternal life.
28Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
29And 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,
30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
Commentary · verses 28-30
Jesus assured Peter and the Disciples that they would have much Reward. Again, notice Luke put "wife" (and "children") in this list of people believers would be rewarded (now and in eternity) for leaving for the Kingdom of God's sake.
Doctrines on this passage
31And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man.
32For he shall be delivered up unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon: 33and they shall scourge and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
34And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, and they perceived not the things that were said.
31Then 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.
32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Commentary · verses 31-34
Jesus foretold His death and resurrection (with details). The Disciples did not understand what He spoke of.
35And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.
37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
35And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Commentary · verses 35-38
Calling Jesus the "son of David" was a confession of Jesus as Messiah.
39And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole.
43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
39And 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.
40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Commentary · verses 39-43
Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. The man stated his will. Jesus healed the blind beggar.
Commentary · verse 43
This day's reading covered complex Reward Doctrine from Jesus concerning how believers ought to confront each other.
Verses 1-13: the Parable of the Unjust Steward.