Chapter 18 begins with Jesus sharing a story about persistence.
A widow lady lived under the rule of a judge (government authority) that was wicked and selfish. He cared about no one other than himself.
“And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ””
Luke 18:3-5 NIV
Jesus is driving home the point that God wants us to come to him constantly and consistently.
If an ungodly man will eventually listen, how much quicker will our loving God be to do so?
Then the chapter ends with another story of persistence.
“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!””
Luke 18:35-39 NIV
When told to be quiet, he simply got louder. He wanted his chance to be healed, and he knew Jesus was the long awaited Messiah.
“Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”
Luke 18:40-43 NIV
This chapter is about continuing to seek, continuing to knock, and staying on track for following Christ.
The big wonder for me is if this man became a daily follower of Christ.
I wonder if he followed Jesus to Calvary and saw more than he ever wanted to see.
