Luke 18

 

1 And He spoke a parable to them that men should always pray (resting in Him), and not faint (in their own exhaustion);

 

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, who did not fear God, nor did he regard man:

 

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary.

 

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said to himself, Though I do not fear God, nor regard man;

 

5 Yet because this widow (constantly) troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.

 

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge said.

 

7 And shall not God avenge (bringing justice to those who are) His own people (from all that afflicts them), which cry day and night to Him, though He endures long with them (who do not fear God but strive to bring about their own justice)?

 

8 I tell you that He will avenge them (his people) speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will He find faith on the earth (men who are always looking unto Him so that they do not grow weary, and faint in their own exhaustion)?

 

9 And He spoke this parable to certain who trusted (and were confident) in themselves (boasting) that they were righteous (by their works), and (this caused them to) despise others:

 

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

 

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed this way with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

 

12 I fast twice a week, and I give tithes of all that I possess.

 

13 And the tax collector, standing at a distance, would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but was striking on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner (stung by death).

 

14 I tell you, this man (who was poor in spirit, seeing he had no ability to exalt himself to blessing and life) went down to his house justified (by God) rather than the other (who was lifted up in his own heart, justifying himself): for every one that exalts himself shall be brought low (humbled); and he that humbles himself shall be exalted (to blessing and life).

 

15 And they brought to Him also infants, so that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they would not allow them.

 

16 But Jesus called them to Him, and said, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for from ones such as these (who innocently rest in the care of another to provide for their lives) is the kingdom of God (received).

 

17 Truly I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God like a little child (where you take no thought about the care for your life but fully rely upon Him to serve you) shall by no (other) means enter into it.

 

18 And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

 

19 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me good? None is good, except one, 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, All these I have kept from a young age.

 

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, Yet one thing you lack: sell all that you have (which cannot ever serve you with eternal life), and distribute to the poor (who cannot repay you), and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me.

 

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

 

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said, With great difficulty shall those who have (esteemed worldly) riches (fit through a narrow passageway) to enter (through the strait gate) into 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 they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

 

27 And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

 

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

 

29 And He said to them, Truly I say to you, There is no man that has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

 

30 Who shall not receive many times more (joy) in this present time, and in the world to come, life everlasting.

 

31 Then He took with Him the twelve, and said to them, Behold, we will go to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

 

32 For He shall be delivered to the (hands of the) Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully mistreated, and spitted on:

 

33 And they shall whip Him and put Him to death: and the third day He shall rise again.

 

34 And they did not understand any of these things: and this saying was hidden from them (until after He had risen), neither did they know the things which were spoken.

 

35 And it came to pass that as He was coming near to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the side of the road begging:

 

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

 

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

 

38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me.

 

39 And the ones which went before rebuked him, that he should stay quiet: but he cried so much more, You son of David, have mercy on me.

 

40 And Jesus stood (still), and commanded him to be brought to Him: and when he was come near, He asked him,

 

41 Saying, What do you desire that I should do for you? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

 

42 And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight: your faith (in Me) has saved you (from all your afflictions).

 

43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to (and also glorified) God.