Pharisees, Publicans, Prayer and Pride: Luke 18:9-14

Wealth and the Kingdom of God

Thus far in Luke 18, Jesus has affirmed the value of oppressed widows, sinful tax collectors, and little children -- all of which are very surprising to his disciples. Today, they are utterly astounded by his unexpected response to a wealthy man’s question. What are we to make of this? Let’s find out...

A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Romans 13 1-7

Happy Birthday to US! We are incredibly proud and thankful to be citizens of this great country. But as we have learned from our study of Luke, we are also citizens of the kingdom of heaven. How do these two relate to one another? Let’s find out....

Kids and the Kingdom: Luke 18:15-17

In recent weeks we’ve heard Jesus tell stories affirming the value of oppressed widows and sinful tax collectors. Today we encounter the third in this series of events, where Jesus affirms the importance of children in the kingdom of God. What does this teach us about kids and the kingdom? Let’s find out....

Pharisees, Publicans, Prayer and Pride: Luke 18:9-14

In this section of Luke, we encounter four surprising stories which demonstrate the upside-down nature of Jesus’ kingdom. We looked at the first last week: A persistent widow and an unjust judge. Today we consider the second of these stories: a parable about Pharisees, publicans, prayer and pride.

Pray and Don’t Lose Heart: Luke 18:1-8

Having just taught his disciples about the present and future coming of the kingdom of God, Jesus tells them a rather strange parable to encourage them to “pray and not lose heart.” What is the meaning of this parable, why did Jesus tell it at that time, and what does it mean for us today? Let’s find out....