Advent Devotional: The Gospel of LukeSample

*Written by Dr. Shannon Evans

Today’s passage has quite a bit to unpack. Luke groups together six different stories that can, on the surface, seem like they don’t relate to one another. Jesus tells a few parables, predicts His death, interacts with children and their parents, breaks a rich man’s heart, and heals a blind man all in one chapter. However, there are threads linking them to each other.

As a follow-up to His conversation regarding the coming of the Kingdom of God, Jesus gives insight into what we can do while we wait. Through His parables and encounters, Jesus calls us to prepare for His kingdom to come through persistent expectation, humble living, and godly prioritization.

1. Persistent Expectation

In the parable of the Persistent Widow seeking justice, she believes in her claim and repeatedly raises the issue with the town judge, an ungodly man, because she expects that he will do something about it. Out of annoyance, he sees to it that she receives justice. In contrast to the judge, however, God does not make His children jump through hoops before He blesses them or answers their prayers. Instead, “He will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:8, NIV).

Further down in the chapter, the blind beggar hears some commotion and makes an inquiry. Upon finding out that Jesus of Nazareth is near, he begins to beg for mercy and, as a byproduct, healing. This is out of His literal blind faith. He is told to be quiet by people who do not believe he should be bothering Jesus, but he persists all the more. How does Jesus respond? “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you” (Luke 18:42).

We, too, need to believe that the God we serve will hear our prayers and answer them. We need to expect that all of God’s promises will be fulfilled and that we will truly see the goodness of the Lord while in the land of the living.

2. Humble Living

Jesus also calls for us to exhibit humility in every aspect of our lives, including prayer. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we see the juxtaposition of the two characters. The Pharisee is haughty and very sure of himself, while the tax collector begs for mercy because he feels unworthy (Luke 18:13). It would be easy to use this parable as a means of tearing down the Pharisee and anyone like him (just as he did the tax collector), but it should maybe be used to emphasize the humility of the tax collector, instead. When we admit to God that we are always in need of the Savior, we open ourselves up to the opportunity of experiencing the vastness of His love and all that comes along with it, including forgiveness.

We also see the need for humility in the encounter that Jesus has with the little children who are brought to Him. The disciples, not wanting to bother their Master with something so trivial, rebuke the children’s parents. Jesus, in turn, offers a rebuke of His own to them (Luke 18:16). In the eyes of the Lord, no one is insignificant, especially not children. To inherit the kingdom, we must, like children, see God as the Source of all that we need.

3. Godly Prioritization

Finally, we are called to assess our priorities. What’s important to us?

The rich ruler, believing himself to have the moral high ground, asks Jesus, the Good Teacher, for the secret to eternal life. Jesus discerns the ruler’s mindset and helps him to understand that his priorities are out of order. That which he holds in high regard – money, status, power – all pale in comparison to the treasure of heaven. The rich ruler cannot yet appreciate eternity because he wants so badly to hold onto the superficiality of this world. This begs the question: Who stands a chance in that case? Jesus' answer? No one, without the help of God (Luke 18:27).

After this encounter, Jesus predicts His death for the third time. This is where we pause to remember His humanity. Though He would walk out of the grave victoriously on the third day, He would still need to give up His life. At the thought of this, His heart must have been heavy, but He persists in His work, nonetheless, having to forego any comfort from His, then, clueless disciples (Luke 18:34).

He is an example of strength and humility in His commitment to the Father. Though it is He who must give His own life, He knows that this is about something bigger than His wanting this cup to be taken away from Him (Luke 22:42). It’s not that Jesus’ will does not matter. It’s that the Father’s will matters most.

Let's pray: Father, we are grateful for Your kindness and mercy toward us. You are truly faithful and worthy to be praised. As we reflect on the gift of salvation You’ve given us through the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, we pause to echo the prayer, “Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). We pray, Lord, that You would help us to turn to You with both humility and expectation. We are a people of unclean lips and lives, but we know that You have the power to cleanse us and purge us of all unrighteousness. Give us the burning desire to share Your word with those around us rather than be stumbling blocks to those who seek Your healing, Your justice, and Your blessing. May we boast only of Your power that is made perfect in our moments of weakness. Let our lives glorify Your name, Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Persistence is key. What is, at least, one thing that you are believing God for?
2. Have you ever felt discouraged while waiting? If so, how has that affected your faith? What helped you to overcome that?
3. What would “[receiving] the kingdom of God like a little child” (Luke 18:17) look like in your daily life?
4. Though He knew He would soon face death, Jesus chose to carry out His Father's will for His life right up until the very end. In the coming days, what are three practical things you can do to prioritize God's will over your current circumstances?