Luke 18

Son of Man who cometh

Son of Man — the Son of Man of Holiness, the Father (Moses 6:57)

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. Luke 18:6–8

If even an unjust judge answers a persistent widow, God will surely answer His people who pray day and night. Jesus then asks whether He will find such faith on the earth when He comes again.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by D&C 101:81-84 — The Lord likens the persecuted Saints of Zion to the parable of the woman and the unjust judge.

Justified by mercy

And 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. Luke 18:13–14

The humble publican who pleads only for mercy goes home justified, not the man who lists his good works. The Greek word behind 'be merciful' is tied to atoning mercy (the mercy seat), the mercy that comes through Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Jesus

Jesus — 'Jehovah saves'

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Luke 18:15–17

When the disciples turn families away, Jesus calls the little children to come to Him and says the kingdom belongs to those who receive it as a child.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 10:13-16 — Mark's account, where He takes them in His arms and blesses them.
• a parallel account in Matthew 19:13-15 — Matthew's account.

Good Master

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Luke 18:18–30

Jesus' question invites the ruler to think about what he has just said: only God is good, and he has called Jesus good. Jesus then offers the one thing he lacks, to follow Him, and promises life everlasting to all who leave everything for His kingdom.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 10:17-31 — Mark's account of the rich young ruler and Peter's question.
• a parallel account in Matthew 19:16-29 — Matthew's account.

His suffering and death foretold

Then 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. Luke 18:31–33

Jesus tells the Twelve exactly what awaits Him in Jerusalem: betrayal to the Gentiles, mocking, spitting, scourging and death. He says it is what the prophets wrote about Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 50:6 — I gave my back to the smiters ... I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
• alludes to Isaiah 53:3-5 — Despised, rejected, wounded for our transgressions.
• fulfilled by Matthew 27:26-31 — Scourged, mocked and spat upon by the Roman soldiers, then led away to be crucified.
• a parallel account in Mark 10:32-34 — Mark's account of the same prophecy.
• a parallel account in Matthew 20:17-19 — Matthew's account of the same prophecy.

He shall rise the third day

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. Luke 18:33–34

Jesus foretells His Resurrection on the third day. The disciples cannot understand it until the risen Lord opens their understanding.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Luke 24:6-7 — The angels remind the women that He said He would be crucified and the third day rise again.
• fulfilled by Luke 24:45-46 — He opens their understanding: it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day.
• alludes to Hosea 6:2 — In the third day he will raise us up.

Son of David

Son of David — the promised Messiah-King from David's line

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: Luke 18:35–43

A blind beggar calls Jesus by the Messiah's royal title and will not be silenced. Jesus gives him sight, a sign promised for the Messiah's day, and he follows Jesus glorifying God.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils 2 Samuel 7:12-13 — The Lord promises David a seed whose kingdom and throne He will establish for ever.
• fulfils Isaiah 35:5 — Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened.
• a parallel account in Mark 10:46-52 — Mark names the blind man Bartimaeus.
• a parallel account in Matthew 20:29-34 — Matthew's account of the healing near Jericho.