Interpretive Study of Luke's Gospel - Summary

Jesus is the Son of Man.

Chapter links: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; God.

Chapter 13 Summary:

The Error of Trusting Religious Works.

in this chapter we read about several incidents. The people who trusted in religious works to bring God's blessings received God's curse instead. We also have several parables which warn us about God cursing people who trust in religious works. In addition, we have the 'Parable of the Mustard Tree', which tells us that people who truly accept God's character into themselves (The kingdom of God) find that it grows and becomes the most important thing in their life. Thus, while most of this chapter is warning us to not trust in religious works, we do have a little positive doctrine in our chapter.

Our chapter starts with an account of people being killed while doing religious activity. They apparently received judgment for some religious error. The Jews thought it was because they were sinners above all others. However, Jesus said: I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish., and He said it twice. God does not judge according to our religious rules but first looks the see if people truly Biblically repent and turn to God in obedience to God instead of obedience to man's religious rules.

Next, Jesus gave the 'Parable of the Fig Tree' to show that if God's people don't produce spiritual fruit, then, after awhile, God will cut them down.

Next we have a dispute between The ruler of the synagogue and Jesus because Jesus freed a woman who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years and did it on a sabbath. Symbolically, the Jews were bound by the religious rules which had been added to God's law. John 8:32 and John 8:36 tells us that Jesus will make us free with the truth.

13:15 tells us: The Lord then answered him, and said, thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? this led to Jesus giving the 'Parable of the Mustard Tree' and the 'Parable of the Leaven'. Both teach that a true relationship with God is supposed to completely fill our life and cause us to grow spiritually until we can provide shelter to others, including lost people.

Next we are told that Jesus was journeying toward Jerusalem when He was asked: Lord, are there few that be saved? this led to a doctrinal lesson on being positive that you are truly saved and not trusting in religious works. In addition, make sure that what you think is work for God's kingdom is truly what God wants and not just religious works. This section ends with: And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. this warning is because God's people trusted in the wrong thing to get them eternal rewards in Heaven. Our position within the church does not determine our position in Heaven just like the religious position of Jews, here on Earth, did not determine their position in Heaven. No, God rewards in proportion to the amount of spiritual profit we generate for God's kingdom.

Our chapter ends with: The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. Jesus sent a message back to Herod that He had no fear of what the government could do to Him. Then He made a prophecy against Jerusalem, and the religious leaders, about judgment coming upon them because they killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee. They thought that they had power because of their positions in this world but true power only comes from God. Basically, neither government nor religious leaders caused Jesus to fear. This is the example which we are to follow as true children of God if we are truly doing what God tells us to do and not trusting in what religion tells us to do.

Please see the Doctrinal Studies called: Significant Gospel Events; Gospel Time Sequences; Table Of Miracles and Table of Parables in the New Testament for references related to events in this chapter and for how the events of this chapter fit in the time sequence of the life of Jesus.

In Luke 13:1-5; we read that Jesus said that God would not protect the religious people who refused to truly Biblically repent. This leads into the parable which is next in this chapter and, basically, is given to help people truly understand the need for us to truly Biblically repent. In the parable, the fig tree symbolically represents God's people. It produced no fruit and God wanted to cut it down. Therefore, the true purpose of God's people truly Biblically repenting is for them to produce spiritual fruit. Therefore, if there is no spiritual fruit then God's people have not truly Biblically repented.

In Luke 13:6-9; we read the 'Parable of the Barren Fig Tree'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 13:10-17; we read that Jesus healed a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years.

In Luke 13:18-19 and Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-34; we read the 'Parable of the Mustard Seed'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament. Please see the note for Mark 4:30-34 which provides a comparison of the different accounts and explains the differences.

In Luke 13:20-21 and Matthew 13:33; we read the '`Parable of Leaven'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 13:22-30 we have teaching from Jesus about there being few who are truly saved and that many religious people will be shocked at being declared to be lost. Parts of this section are also reported in different places within Matthew's Gospel but Matthew does not put all of these teachings in a single group like Luke does.

Luke 13:25-27 is a parable that many do not recognize as a parable. However, since it is 'An Earthly story with a Heavenly meaning which is designed to lead lost and carnal people into doctrinal error and only reveal the true spiritual meaning to save people who seek the meaning from God', it is, in fact, a parable. This is the 'Parable of the Rejected Claims'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament. Matthew 7:21-23 gives us a matching teaching but not as a parable. In addition, Matthew 25:41-46 gives a similar teaching but is a different time and applied to a different group of people.

Finally, in Luke 13:31-35 the Pharisees tried to scare Jesus away from Jerusalem but He was not scared. Instead, Jesus pronounced judgment that would come upon Jerusalem because of the crucifixion.

C13-S1 : Jesus was told about people killed for their religious activity.
1. The phrase There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans means: 'These people told Jesus about other Jews who did not agree with all of their historical religious doctrines'. The word Galilaeans is identifying Jews who lived in Galilee. That is where several of the disciples came fRomans where Jesus lived for a time. The Jews were so prejudice that they believed any non-Jews, including the half Jew Samaritans, were going to Hell. And, they believed some of the Jews, who lived farther away from Jerusalem, could never be more than the lowest level of society in Heaven. That was the prejudice expressed to Jesus, which our incident is telling us about. And, O strongly believe, that the people doing the talking were boasting about how God would reward them more than the Galilaeans because they lived closer to Jerusalem and did more religious works. (Before you reject this thought, carefully consider the theme of this chapter.)
2. The phrase whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices means: 'The commentators can not be sure but believe this is a reference to some Jews who refused to pay taxes. And; they probably used some religious belief as their basis. So, Pilate, to local Roman governor, had them killed and mingled their blood with their sacrifices to let the Jews know that religious beliefs were not an acceptable excuse for refusing to pay taxes'. There are a lot of people today who need to get that message.
3. The next few sentences have the answer from Jesus and need to be considered in context with this sentence.
C13-S2 : Jesus questioned their suppositions.
1. Our sentence adds the answer from Jesus which continues for a few more sentences.
2. The phrase Jesus answering said unto them means: 'This answer is from Jesus and it teaches us to not use their wrong way of thinking'.
3. The phrase Suppose ye that these Galilae and were sinners above all the Galilaeans means: 'Jesus asked this question because that was exactly what they were thinking. Jesus is identifying their wrong thoughts before correcting them so that there is no question about what He is correcting'.
4. The phrase because they suffered such things? means: 'One of the things that Romans teaches us, along with other places in the Bible, is that God allows His people to suffer for various reasons. It is a lie from the devil that claims that anyone who suffers in this world is out of the will of God. Remember that Jesus suffered and died for your sin and mine'.
C13-S3 : God didn't kill them.
1. Our sentence adds the spiritual truth from Jesus.
2. The phrase I tell you means: 'Jesus is making it clear that He is not just expressing an opinion'.
3. The phrase Nay means: 'There is absolutely no way that this is true'. (This is the difference in the definition of the word Nay opposed to the word No).
4. The phrase but means: 'Jesus is still talking about the judgment of God while changing from it being applied to those men to it being applied to each and every one of the listeners (ye) personally'.
5. The phrase except ye repent means: 'True Biblical repentance is NOT 'turning 180 degrees' but is turning from following sin to obeying God with the realization that God is far above us'. in this case, it means turning from following the religious traditions from men to obeying the true law of God.
6. The phrase ye shall all likewise perish means: 'Each and every one of them personally (ye) were on their way to Hell because they were trusting in their religious traditions instead of trusting in God'.
C13-S4 : these others were not killed because on how great sinners they were.
1. Our sentence adds another illustration to the message from Jesus.
2. The phrase Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them means: 'The religious leaders claimed that the accident was a judgment from God in order to support their claim that God would judge anyone who refused to obey them'.
3. The phrase think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? means: 'This was the claim from the religious leaders'.
C13-S5 : God didn't kill them.
1. This is the second time that Jesus says this, which makes it the basis of true judgment from God.
2. The phrase I tell you means: 'Jesus is making it clear that He is not just expressing an opinion'.
3. The phrase Nay means: 'There is absolutely no way that this is true'. (This is the difference in the definition of the word Nay opposed to the word No).
4. The phrase but means: 'Jesus is still talking about the judgment of God while changing from it being applied to those men to it being applied to each and every one of the listeners (ye) personally'.
5. The phrase except ye repent means: 'True Biblical repentance is NOT 'turning 180 degrees' but is turning from following sin to obeying God with the realization that God is far above us'. in this case, it means turning from following the religious traditions from men to obeying the true law of God.
6. The phrase ye shall all likewise perish means: 'Each and every one of them personally (ye) were on their way to Hell because they were trusting in their religious traditions instead of trusting in God'.
C13-S6 : Jesus starts the 'Parable of the Barren Fig Tree'.
1. The phrase He spake also this parable means: 'Jesus gave this parable to explain the true basis of judgment by God'.
2. The phrase A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard means: 'The fig tree is used, symbolically, to represent the Jews of Israel'. However, this parable also applies to the church.
3. The phrase and he came and sought fruit thereon means: 'Fruit is used, symbolically, for new life'. God requires all of His people to be working in His kingdom and producing new spiritual fruit (saved people).
4. The phrase and found none means: 'This was the basis of judgment'.
C13-S7 : the attitude and action of the land owner.
1. Our sentence adds the symbolic judgment from God.
2. The phrase Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard means: 'I believe that the dresser can symbolically represent angels sent to collect the souls of God's people when they die'.
3. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
4. The phrase these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree means: 'The three years is not an absolute time but, symbolically, represents a reasonable amount of time to find some spiritual new life produced by the person'. Remember that 2Peter 3:8 tells us: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Therefore, we can not hold the time to three years as measured in the physical reality. In addition, remember that the church is supposed to be spiritually alive. If we are honest, we must admit that lack of new spiritual fruit is one of the reasons why God will shut down a local congregation.
5. The phrase and find none means: 'This is the reason for judgment'. Religions keep telling us otherwise.
6. The phrase cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? means: 'This is the judgment from God. Remember that God can kill us earlier than necessary and God promises long life to people who have the right attitudes and are serving God'. I've died and been revived twice. I've been in the hospital with multiple nurses and doctors coming to see means saying that they were not on my case but just wanted to see someone who survived the accident that I was in. So, I am not just writing what I believe from scripture.
C13-S8 : Judgment delayed for one year.
1. The phrase And he answering said unto him means: 'This was the answer of the being given care of the people or church'.
2. The phrase Lord means: 'This request is directed to God. Notice that Lord is uppercase'.
3. The phrase let it alone this year also means: 'This is a prayer for mercy'.
4. The phrase till I shall dig about it, and dung it means: 'Sometimes God lets us have problems (dung) in this life so that we will turn to God for help and start obeying the commandments of God with our life'.
5. The phrase And if it bear fruit, well means: ''. . . .
6. The phrase and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down means: 'There is a limit to how much mercy God gives to people who refuse to obey God'.
C13-S9 says: And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. . This is the start of the next incident.
C13-S10 : the conditions of the incident.
1. Our sentence adds the conditions of this incident.
2. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
3. The phrase there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years means: 'This would seem to be the result of a devil, because the word spirit is lowercase. However, it is actually speaking of her own spirit which was afflicted by a spiritual cause'.
4. The phrase and was bowed together means: 'She was bent over at the waist'.
5. The phrase and could in no wise lift up herself means: 'She could not straighten up'.
6. Miracles are physical examples of the doctrine surrounding them. John 21:25 says: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. Therefore, the Gospel writers had many examples to choose fRomans they chose the miracle which represented the doctrine that they were writing dwon in context. in this case, the woman represented God's people who were bound, and crippled, by religious rules added to the Law of God. In addition, Jesus did this miracle in one of the synagogues, which was the place of power and authority of religion. In Luke 13:13 we read: The ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation. Thus, we see that religion objects to demonstrations of true power because it exposes their claims of power and authority to be lies. Finally, at the end of this incident, we read: all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. Religious liars are ashamed when their lies are exposed but the same thing causes the true children of God to rejoice and praise God.
C13-S11 : Jesus healed her.
1. Our sentence adds the truth that Jesus freed her.
2. The phrase And when Jesus saw her means: 'This is when He acted'. Sometimes, we need to pray until God looks at our need. It is not a lack of care on the part of God. Sometimes the delay is a test for us and sometimes God is waiting until He can use what He does as a testimony of His love and power. That was the case in this incident.
3. The phrase he called her to him means: 'Everyone must go to Jesus if they want their prayers answered by God'.
4. The phrase and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity means: 'This is symbolically telling us that Jesus makes us free from the restrictions of religion'. . John 8:32 and John 8:36 tells us that Jesus will make us free with the truth.
C13-S12 : the details of the healing.
1. Our sentence adds that Jesus healed her.
2. The phrase And he laid his hands on her means: 'This was the sign of His healing'.
3. The phrase and immediately she was made straight means: 'She was healed'.
4. The phrase and glorified God means: 'Her reaction'.
C13-S13 : The ruler of the synagogue (had) indignation because of wrong religious beliefs.
1. Our sentence adds the reaction of the religious leader. Imagine a true servant of God objecting to God receiving praise and glory.
2. The phrase And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation means: 'This was his wrong reaction'.
3. The phrase because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day means: ''This was the reason for his reaction.
4. The phrase and said unto the people means: 'He didn't have enough courage to address Jesus. So, he talked to the people hoping to get their support'.
5. The phrase There are six days in which men ought to work means: 'This much was true'.
6. The phrase in them therefore come and be healed means: 'This pare of his answer is wrong. We do not decide when God is to give us a miracle but are to thank and glorify God any time that He chooses to give us a miracle. This phrase is based on the doctrinal error that claimed we can make demands of God and that God has to do what we demand and when we demand'.
7. The phrase and not on the sabbath day means: 'The answer from Jesus, in the next two sentences, tells us why he was wrong'. The answer in this report can be added to similar answers found within the Gospels and we can see the same type of answer from Jesus every time even though the exact words differ.
C13-S14 : Jesus rebukes him.
1. Our sentence adds the answer from The Lord.
2. The phrase The Lord then answered him, and said means: 'This answer and judgment came from the greatest authority that exists anywhere'.
3. The phrase Thou hypocrite means: 'He personally (thou) claimed one thing while living another thing. As The ruler of the synagogue, he claimed to represent God and The word of God. However, his answer is opposite of the character of God'.
4. The phrase doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? means: 'This is an illustration from common actions, by the religious people, which is exactly the type of action condemned by The ruler of the synagogue'.
C13-S15 : Jesus expresses the true will of God.
1. Our sentence adds the application of the doctrine that Jesus just mentioned.
2. The phrase And ought not this woman means: 'Jesus identifies the person that The ruler of the synagogue, treated as an object of doctrinal dispute and not as a human being'.
3. The phrase being a daughter of Abraham means: 'This was her position in society and in religion. Therefore, The ruler of the synagogue, had a personal responsibility to help her any way that he could'.
4. The phrase whom Satan hath bound means: 'As mentioned earlier, it was her own spirit which was bound but Satan was the cause of it'.
5. The phrase lo, these eighteen years means: 'This is how long she had suffered'. Most people who claim to be Christian will not spend eighteen years praying for something.
6. The phrase be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? means: 'By doing this miracle on the sabbath day and in one of the synagogues, Jesus was, symbolically, showing that it was actually God the Father doing the miracle'. Think about it. The ruler of the synagogue objected to God working in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
C13-S16 : the reaction to the answer from Jesus.
1. Our sentence adds the end results of this miracle.
2. The phrase And when he had said these things means: 'This is when the results happened'.
3. The phrase all his adversaries were ashamed means: 'The ruler of the synagogue had friends supporting him. They were made ashamed also'.
4. The phrase and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him means: 'This was the correct reaction'.
C13-S17 : Jesus starts the 'Parable of the Mustard Tree'. This parable is about The kingdom of God.
1. The phrase Then said he means: 'Jesus told this parable after making people who trusted in religion ashamed and causing others to glorify God. Our parable teaches that it is not enough to glorify God. We must let the character of God become the biggest thing in our life'.
2. The phrase Unto what is the kingdom of God like? means: 'This lets us know the purpose of this parable'. As with all parables, it is important to understand the doctrine of what the parable is in context with. That context controls the true interpretation of the parable.
C13-S18 says: and whereunto shall I resemble it?. Jesus uses this second way of telling us that this is not a description but an illustration
C13-S19 : Express the symbolic result desired by God.
1. The phrase It is like a grain of mustard seed means: 'Elsewhere we are told that it is the smallest of seeds'.
2. The phrase which a man took, and cast into his garden means: 'The man deliberately planted this seed. Symbolically, this represents someone deliberately seeking to put the character of God (The kingdom of God) into their own personal life (into his garden)'.
3. The phrase and it grew, and waxed a great tree means: 'The character of God (The kingdom of God) will become the biggest thing in life if allowed to grow as God wants it to'.
4. The phrase and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it means: 'These represent saved and lost people. Someone who truly has the character of God acts like God. They show God's love to everyone (That is true charity) while trying to lead the lost to salvation and the saved to spiritual maturity'.
C13-S20 : Jesus starts the 'Parable of the Leaven'. This parable is about The kingdom of God.
1. Our sentence adds another illustration.
2. The phrase And again he said means: 'Jesus told this parable after making people who trusted in religion ashamed and causing others to glorify God'.
3. The phrase Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? means: 'Our parable teaches that it is not enough to glorify God. We must let the character of God become the biggest thing in our life'.
C13-S21 : Symbolically say the result desired by God.
1. The phrase It is like leaven means: 'Leaven causes bread to become bigger'.
2. The phrase which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal means: 'Some will argue that The number three represents the Trinity. If so, the three measures of meal represents the person who serves the Trinity, which is the true Biblical description of God'.
3. The phrase till the whole was leavened means: 'Our service to God, when we truly have the character of God, will take over all of our life'.
C13-S22 : the start of the next incident.
1. The phrase And he went through the cities and villages means: 'This was what Jesus was doing when He did not have a specific time in which He had to accomplish something'. As recorded in the Study called Sequence of Gospel Events; the end of this chapter (Luke 13:31-35) tells us that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to be crucified. in this sentence, He was probably also heading there for that reason but He was not trying to meet the deadline until later in this chapter.
2. The phrase teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem means: 'This was what Jesus was doing while He traveled'.
C13-S23 : A question about salvation.
1. The phrase Then said one unto him means: 'This question was asked while Jesus was traveling and teaching. Two different times in Matthew's Gospel we see similar teaching. Therefore, Jesus answered this question more than once'.
2. The phrase Lord, are there few that be saved? means: 'This question was properly directed at the Lord because every place where the Bible has the phrase shall be saved, we are told that it is the Lord Who will fulfill that promise'.
C13-S24 : Jesus says that true salvation includes striving.
1. Our sentence adds the answer from Jesus.
2. The phrase And he said unto them means: 'This answer came from Jesus'.
3. The phrase Strive to enter in at the strait gate means: 'Work very hard to accomplish this result'. The word strive means: 'To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard; applicable to exertions of body or mind'. The word strait means: 'Narrow, and difficult to pass, Mt 7:13-14. This word should not be confounded with straight'. Satan has convinced many people that there are many ways to heaven and many ways to live as saved people and still get a mansion in Heaven. People who believe those lies are, effectively, saying that Jesus lied in this sentence.
4. The phrase for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in means: 'This is why'. They will seek to enter in but will fail because they did not go God's way, as our next phrase says.
5. The phrase and shall not be able means: 'Only God's narrow way gets anyone saved'.
C13-S25 : Jesus explains the future of the religious lost.
1. Our sentence adds details to explain the prior sentence.
2. The phrase When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door means: 'God is currently sitting on His throne. However, at some future time, He will rise up and return to 'Rapture' all of His church and will shut to the door on the 'Church Age''. Yes, people will get saved during the great tribulation, but that is by a different way and what is usually preached about that time are lies from devils. Leaving that aside, our sentence is speaking about what is available now.
3. The phrase and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying means: 'Many people who are alive at this time will be in this group and will be shocked to be in this group and will experience The rest of this sentence'.
4. The phrase Lord, Lord, open unto us means: 'They call Him Lord but refuse to treat Him as their personal Lord. They believed the lie that using the title was sufficient even while refusing to have the proper attitude and actions'.
5. The phrase and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are means: ''. . . .
6. The phrase Then shall ye begin to say means: 'The following will be their claims'..
7. The phrase We have eaten and drunk in thy presence means: 'They did these things religiously and assumed that Jesus was there (in thy presence), because that was what they were told. However, they did not have the personal relationship which was required in order to verify the claims from the religious leaders. . '.
8. The phrase and thou hast taught in our streets means: 'They were told that Jesus taught but quite often it was just religious traditions being taught. In addition, even if Jesus did teach, that does not mean that they learned. If they had truly learned, then they would have had the personal intimate relationship and the God-caused changed life which results from such a relationship'.
C13-S26 : Jesus explains why their claims are wrong.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. The prior sentence told us the claims of lost religious people and this sentence tells us the response from God.
2. Our sentence has two different applications. One application is fur the lost and one is for the saved but carnal.
3. The phrase But he shall say means: 'This response will come from God'.
4. The phrase I tell you, I know you not whence ye are means: 'God will deny the personal intimate relationship with the lost and He will tell this to the saved, but carnal, because they never came to God after their initial salvation. God will say I know you not whence ye are because they never made themselves available to God'. The religious relationship is not sufficient regardless what the religious liars claim.
5. The phrase depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity means: 'God will refuse to associate with workers of iniquity'. They will not be allowed into Heaven or will be sent to outer darkness (Matthew 8:12).
C13-S27 : Jesus explains their final result.
1. Our sentence has two different applications. One application is for the lost and one is for the saved but carnal.
2. The phrase There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth means: 'This, obviously, will be true for the lost who are sent to Hell'. However, three places in Matthew tell us that the saved, but carnal, will be sent to outer darkness (Matthew 8:12), which is in Heaven and also has weeping and gnashing of teeth. God does not wipe away all tears from their eyes (Revelation 21:4) until after the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11).
3. The phrase when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God means: 'The people who accepted the character in this life will have special treatment in Heaven that others will not receive'. In addition, the Jews in Hell will know that Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets are in Heaven.
4. The phrase and you yourselves thrust out means: 'The lost will be sent to Hell and the carnal to outer darkness'.
C13-S28 : says: And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God this means that 'people from everywhere will be saved and receive the character of God while religious Jews will be excluded'.
C13-S29 : God's order is opposite of man's order.
1. Our sentence adds the priority that God puts on service with a humble attitude. This sentence is often preached as an independent precept. And, the majority of this sentence can be preached that way. However, we should also pay attention to the context, especially since our sentence starts with the word And. The prior several sentences told us how God will judge people. This sentence is adding another way that God will judge people. The context is what makes this sentence part of the judgment in Heaven.
2. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
3. The phrase there are last which shall be first means: 'The last, or lowest level people in society, shall be first in Heaven'. God rewards His people who are truly humble and wait for God to reward their obedience to God. Remember that Jesus is on His way to be crucified and accepted the insults from God's people while He went. He is our example of how to act in this physical reality.
4. The phrase and there are first which shall be last means: 'The first, or highest level people in society, shall be last in Heaven'. Basically, this phrase is only providing the opposite of the prior phrase. Matthew 6 is part of a message from Jesus where He explains this sentence in greater detail. Look for the word reward in that chapter.
C13-S30 : the Pharisees tell Jesus to leave.
1. The phrase The same day there came certain of the Pharisees means: 'The people who hated Jesus brought this message'. I am not sure how true this warning was because three times the Bible tells us that the Pharisees joined with the Herodi and to conspire against Jesus. Whether they were lying or telling the truth, the Pharisees were trying to scare Jesus with a threat to His life and hoping to shut His mouth Get thee out, and depart hence. However, as we see in the answer which follows, Jesus was not scared of death and He sent back a message to that effect.
2. The phrase saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence means: 'Run away, hide and shut your mouth or the government will kill you'.
3. The phrase for Herod will kill thee means: 'This is why they thought that Jesus would hide and shut up'.
C13-S31 : Jesus tells them to return His response.
1. Our sentence adds the answer from Jesus which includes a prophecy. Please also see the Study called: Significant Gospel Events for this and other prophecies found in the Gospels.
2. The phrase And he said unto them means: 'This was the answer from Jesus'.
3. The phrase Go ye, and tell that fox means: 'A fox was considered to be a sneaky destructive animal'.
4. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
5. The phrase I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow means: 'Jesus did miracles by the power of God which no man could match. In addition, no man could match the authority of God'.
6. The phrase and the third day I shall be perfected means: 'Jesus would rise from the dead and prove that He conquered death'. The human government was no threat to Jesus.
C13-S32 : Jesus tells them what He will do.
1. The word Nevertheless means: 'None of those considerations affect what Jesus had to do at that time'.
2. The phrase I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following means: 'It would take Jesus three (3) days to reach Jerusalem'.
3. The phrase for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem means: 'The people of Jerusalem, as led by their religious leaders, killed all of God's prophets in Jerusalem because they rejected the message from God'.
C13-S33 : Jesus laments the future judgment of Jerusalem, and of God's people, because of their rejecting God's message and God's messenger.
1. The phrase O Jerusalem, Jerusalem means: 'This was a lament'.
2. The phrase which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee means: 'This is what they did to the messengers from God'.
3. The phrase how often would I have gathered thy children together means: 'God wanted to protect them'.
4. The phrase as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings means: 'God would have hid them and fought for them'.
5. The phrase and ye would not! means: 'They refused the commandments and protection from God'.
C13-S34 : Jesus tells them to return His response.
1. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
2. The phrase your house is left unto you desolate means: 'This is their short-term judgment'.
3. The phrase and verily I say unto you means: 'This is a prophecy from Jesus'.
4. The phrase Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say means: 'They would not see Jesus, nor understand what He did, until their attitude changed. Only the saved, and the physical family of Jesus, saw Him after He rose from the dead'.
5. The phrase Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord means: 'This is the required evidence of a changed attitude. This is not just saying 'Blessed is God!' but it is thanking God for whatever messenger that God chooses to send to them'.

Chapter 14 Summary:

Lessons on Pride.

In Luke 13:33 we read: Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. then in Luke 19:28 says: And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. there are a couple of sentences after that dealing with His entrance into Jerusalem. However, everything from Luke 13:33 through Luke 19:28 is a report of His actions and teaching on the three day journey to Jerusalem where he would end up being falsely accused, tried and crucified. Thus, one fourth of Luke's Gospel is from this time frame.

Our chapter starts with Jesus being invited to one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, (and) they watched him. They brought in a man who needed healing and it was a sabbath day. In the prior chapter Jesus shut the mouth of The ruler of the synagogue over this exact same thing. Apparently, they were testing to see if Jesus would do it again because, when He did, they said nothing. Jesus first challenged them about the Law, And they held their peace. And, since they started it, he put forth a parable to those which were bidden. After this Jesus taught a doctrine about pride. Then He followed this up with the 'Parable of the Great Supper'.

After the dinner, our chapter starts telling about another incident in 14:25 where Jesus is teaching great multitudes. Here He teaches the requirements to being His disciple and includes a couple of parables in this teaching. Basically, it can be summed with: whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Of course, the meaning of forsaketh all includes the loss of pride.

As with prior chapters, it is hoped that the reader sees how this summary shows how everything in this chapter teaches the theme of the chapter provided earlier. Following this summary are statements with more details than already provided.

In Luke 14:1-6; we read that Jesus cured a man of dropsy. Please see the note for Matthew 12:8-LJC about how Jesus dealt with the sabbath in the gospels.

In Luke 14:7-11; we read 'The Parable of the Wedding Guests'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 14:12-14; Jesus instructs the host Pharisee what is the Godly attitude for dealing with others.

In Luke 14:15-24; we read the 'Parable of the Great Supper'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 14:25-27; Jesus instructs the great multitudes with him what is required for them to become His disciple.

In Luke 14:28-30; we read 'The parable of the tower builder'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 14:31-32; we read the 'Parable about Kings Going to War'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 14:33; we read the application of the prior two parables when Jesus says: So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

In Luke 14:34-35; we read the 'Parable of Salt Savor'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

C14-S1 : the start of a new chapter and new incident.
1. Our sentence adds another way of challenging Jesus. In the prior chapter they tried telling Him that the government was going to kill Him and Jesus refused to run and hide. Now, they are going to try the religious authority. They are being foolish because Jesus already shut the mouth of a ruler of the synagogue over this exact issue.
2. The phrase And it came to pass means: 'This is the start of the report on the next incident'.
3. The phrase as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day means: 'This is the setting of the incident'.
4. The phrase that they watched him means: 'The Pharisees watched to see if they could accuse Jesus of breaking their additions to God's law'.
C14-S2 : the set-up for a confrontation.
1. Our sentence adds their set-up for a complaint.
2. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
3. The phrase there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. (See the Detailed note about this disease.)
C14-S3 : Jesus did not back down nor avoid their challenge.
1. Our sentence adds that Jesus accepted their challenge.
2. The phrase And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying means: 'This was who was there to challenge Jesus'. . . .
3. The phrase Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? means: 'This was what they told the people but could not prove from scripture'.
C14-S4 : they declined the challenge from Jesus.
1. Our sentence adds their reaction to the question.
2. The phrase And they held their peace means: 'They said nothing because they could not back their doctrine from scripture'. Apparently, they thought their numbers, or something else, would intimidate Jesus. By this time, they have lost this argument several times. However, they have to agree that their doctrine is wrong or continue to argue doctrinal error.
C14-S5 : Jesus accepted their challenge.
1. Our sentence adds that Jesus healed the man and gave another challenge to the lawyers and Pharisees.
2. The phrase And he took him, and healed him, and let him go means: 'This is what Jesus did with the man who needed healing'.
3. The phrase And answered them, saying means: 'Jesus challenged the lawyers and Pharisees'.
4. The phrase Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? means: 'Jesus identified how they regularly violated their own rule'. True laws from God do not have exceptions.
C14-S6 says: And they could not answer him again to these things means: 'There is no defense for doctrinal error when it faces God's truth'.
C14-S7 : Jesus gives them 'The Parable of the Wedding Guests'.
1. Our sentence adds the 'Parable of those Bidden to Wedding'.
2. The phrase And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden means: 'Jesus gave this parable because of their attitudes'.
3. The phrase when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms means: 'This is what motivated the parable'.
4. The phrase saying unto them means: 'Jesus said this to the lawyers and Pharisees'.
5. The phrase When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding means: 'He used The wedding as an example but these instructions can be applied to many situations'.
6. The phrase sit not down in the highest room means: 'Put away your pride'.
7. The phrase lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him means: 'This situation might happen'.
8. The phrase And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee means: 'The host will have to correct the proud person'.
9. The phrase Give this man place means: 'Swallow your pride'.
10. The phrase and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room means: 'This is the end result of being overly proud'.
C14-S8 : What to do instead.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'.
2. The phrase But when thou art bidden means: 'This also applies to people who are bidden to Heaven'.
3. The phrase go and sit down in the lowest room means: 'Don't make yourself important in this world but become servant of all (Mark 9:35; Mark 10:44)'.
4. The phrase that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee means: 'Jesus will say this to the true servants of God'.
5. The phrase Friend, go up higher means: 'True servants of God will receive glory in Heaven'.
6. The phrase then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee means: 'Our true reward will be in Heaven'.
C14-S9 : Why to obey the prior sentence.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true. This is a precept which God makes always true.
2. The phrase For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased means: 'God makes His true children go the opposite direction from the desires of their flesh'.
3. The phrase and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted means: 'God rewards in Heaven those who humbleth. Themselves in order to let God work through their life'.
C14-S10 : Instructions to the host. Even though these instructions will most likely be ignored, Jesus still gives them so that, when he is judged by God, he can not plead ignorance.
1. The phrase Then said he also to him that bade him means: 'Jesus directed this comment to His host'.
2. The phrase When thou makest a dinner or a supper means: 'This can be applied to any situation where we are serving others'.
3. The phrase call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours means: 'Don't call the people who can, and will, recompence you in this world'.
4. The phrase lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee means: 'If you receive recompence in this world then God will not reward your efforts'.
C14-S11 : Further instructions.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. Where the prior sentence told us what to not do, this sentence tells us what to do.
2. The phrase But when thou makest a feast means: 'This can be applied to any situation where we are serving others'.
3. The phrase call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind means: 'Call people who can not pay you back'.
4. The phrase And thou shalt be blessed means: 'God will pay you back'.
5. The phrase for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just means: 'Here's why'.
C14-S12 : Someone uses the prior instructions to make a statement which could be misconstrued.
1. Our sentence adds a response from another guest.
2. The phrase And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things means: 'This is when the person spoke up'.
3. The phrase he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God means: 'This is what he believed'. He probably actually meant The kingdom of Heaven because The kingdom of God, in The kingdom of Heaven, is actually a reference to the marriage supper of the Lamb. All saved will be in Heaven but only those saved people who let Christ work through their physical life will be allowed to attend the marriage supper of thaw Lamb. And, that is what the parable, which follows, is actually all about.
C14-S13 : Jesus clarifies.
1. Our sentence adds the response from Jesus. This parable is often preached and applied to the wrong response by the guests but I can't remember anyone giving the true spiritual meaning which is dictated by the context. This is a response to the prior sentence and is actually speaking, spiritually, about the marriage supper of the Lamb.
2. The phrase Then said he unto him means: 'Jesus gave this response to the guest who spoke the prior sentence'. Remember that, earlier, we were told that many of the other guests were lawyers and Pharisees. And, given what was said in the prior sentence, the person who spoke was probably one of those people.
3. The phrase A certain man made a great supper, and bade many means: 'This is speaking, spiritually, of God making the marriage supper of the Lamb and inviting all saved people to attend'.
4. The phrase And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden means: 'God uses angels and men most of the time as His messengers'. (God has used an ass, all of creation and other things or people as His messengers.).
5. The phrase Come; for all things are now ready means: 'God is now making this invitation to the saved who are still living'.
C14-S14 says: And they all with one consent began to make excuse. 'Many of God's people are too busy pursuing things of this world to be bothered serving God so that they can be part of the marriage supper of the Lamb'. Unfortunately, many of God's people honestly believe that these excuses will be accepted by God.
C14-S15 : the first refusal.
1. The phrase The first said unto him means: 'This is the first excuse which God's people except God to accept'. Remember the audience that Jesus was addressing. They thought that they were so important to God that God had to accept their attitudes, actions and excuses.
2. The phrase I have bought a piece of ground means: 'This person is someone rich and important in this world'. No rich person would buy a piece of ground without first inspecting it. This is an obvious lie. However, some people act like God is so stupid that God has to accept their obvious lies.
3. The phrase and I must needs go and see it means: 'They stay too busy with responsibilities of this world to be bothered with serving God'.
4. The phrase I pray thee have me excused means: 'He honestly expects God to accept His excuse which makes God less important than things of this world'.
C14-S16 : the second refusal.
1. The phrase And another said means: 'This is the second excuse which God's people except God to accept'. Remember the audience that Jesus was addressing. They thought that they were so important to God that God had to accept their attitudes, actions and excuses.
2. The phrase I have bought five yoke of oxen means: 'He was so busy doing the work of this world that he doesn't have time to serve God'. This includes people who work, instead of going to service, when they have a choice. No one, who can afford it, is so stupid that they buy five yoke of oxen without first proving them.
3. The phrase and I go to prove them means: 'This is a claim of spending money without even looking at what was bought'. This is an obvious lie. However, some people act like God is so stupid that God has to accept their obvious lies.
4. The phrase I pray thee have me excused means: 'He honestly expects God to accept His excuse which makes God less important than a secular job in this world'.
C14-S17 : the third refusal.
1. The phrase And another said means: 'This is the third excuse which God's people except God to accept'. Remember the audience that Jesus was addressing. They thought that they were so important to God that God had to accept their attitudes, actions and excuses.
2. The phrase I have married a wife. More than one preacher has said that a man needs to entertain a new wife. No man would refuse such an invitation when he has a new wife. In addition, a wife is supposed to be a help meet, which means she is supposed to help the man to serve God. Thus, this is a claim that the man can not do what God demands because he now has someone to help him do so. This is an obvious lie. However, some people act like God is so stupid that God has to accept their obvious lies.
3. The phrase and therefore I cannot come means: 'He honestly expects God to accept His excuse which makes God less important than a secular job in this world'.
C14-S18 says: So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things means: 'A Godly pastor will be praying for God to correct the heart of his people who refuse to serve God after claiming to be saved'
C14-S19 : the host invites people who are normally rejected.
1. Our sentence adds a warning that God will give the Jews a bill of divorcement and work with the church.
2. The phrase Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant means: 'Symbolically, our sentence is telling us that God the Father was angry at the Jews because of their ongoing attitude of refusing God. Therefore, God the Father told Jesus to start the church and invite the Gentiles (who were rejected by the Jews)'.
3. The phrase Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city means: 'Go everywhere in the world'.
4. The phrase and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind means: 'Give the Gospel invitation to everyone'.
C14-S20 : the servant reports back to the host.
1. The phrase And the servant said means: 'The servant represents pastors'.
2. The phrase Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded means: 'Pastors and churches claim that they have done what God commanded where they are'.
3. The phrase and yet there is room means: 'God has not, yet, ordered the 'Rapture''.
C14-S21 : the host demands that the servant find more.
1. Our sentence adds the command to do missions work.
2. The phrase And the lord said unto the servant means: 'God gives this command to pastors and churches'.
3. The phrase Go out into the highways and hedges means: 'Go beyond your comfort zone to other types of people'.
4. The phrase and compel them to come in means: 'Overcome false religions and false beliefs'.
5. The phrase that my house may be filled means: 'Work to fill Heaven while you live'.
C14-S22 : Why.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true.
2. The phrase For I say unto you means: 'This is the message from God'.
3. The phrase That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper means: 'There is a popular lie that we can get saved at any time. The message found in this parable is that God will cut off the invitation to be saved after He is rejected enough times. God will also cut off the invitation to serve God, and receive everlasting rewards, if the saved reject God enough times'.
C14-S23 : the start of the next incident.
1. Our sentence adds the truth from Jesus, about this matter, that He gave to the multitudes.
2. The phrase And there went great multitudes with him means: 'These people were near, if not at, the house of the chief Pharisee. on the sabbath when all of what is reported in this chapter happened'.
3. The phrase and he turned, and said unto them means: 'Jesus addressed the great multitudes'.
4. The phrase If any man come to me means: 'People claim to follow Jesus but few fulfill this requirement'.
5. The phrase and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also means: 'As many have claimed, this means that your feelings for these other people must seem like hate when compared to your feelings for Jesus'.
6. The phrase he cannot be my disciple. 'The word cannot means: it is absolutely impossible'.
C14-S24 : Jesus told them the second requirement to be His disciple.
1. Our sentence adds another requirement to being a true disciple of Jesus.
2. The phrase And whosoever doth not bear his cross means: 'This speaks of ongoing suffering that is expected to become worse and to last until death'.
3. The phrase and come after me means: 'accept suffering with the same attitude as Jesus had'.
4. The phrase cannot be my disciple means: 'The word cannot means: it is absolutely impossible'.
C14-S25 : Why He told them.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true.
2. The phrase For which of you means: 'This question is presented to everyone'.
3. The phrase intending to build a tower means: 'This is an example which represents any project done in this world'.
4. The phrase sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost means: 'Only the foolish do not plan and verify that they can complete what they start'. This is where lost and carnal people think that people of true faith are foolish. They do not really count on the provision from God. But, those of true faith, verify with God before starting a project to honor God. And, when their faith is proven right, they are proven to not be foolish.
5. The phrase whether he have sufficient to finish it? means: 'This is one of the main questions to be answered during planning'.
C14-S26 : Jesus does not want people who will prove to be foolish.
1. The phrase Lest haply means: 'Unless this result happens'.
2. The phrase after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it means: 'He starts but can not finish'.
3. The phrase all that behold it begin to mock him means: 'This is what others will say about him'.
4. The phrase Saying, this man began to build, and was not able to finish means: 'This is why they will mock him'.
C14-S27 : Another example of why to count the cost.
1. The phrase Or what king, going to make war against another king means: 'This is another example which has greater results to consider'. Unfortunately, most people who make these decisions don't do this type of consideration or don't get accurate facts upon which to base their decision.
2. The phrase sitteth not down first, and consulteth means: 'Wise men consult other knowledgeable men'. Fools decide based upon emotions.
3. The phrase whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? means: 'This is the main question which he must answer before going to war'.
C14-S28 : Example of using proper consideration.
1. The phrase Or else means: 'This is his second option'.
2. The phrase while the other is yet a great way off means: 'Before it is too late'.
3. The phrase he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace means: 'This is the wise decision'. Unfortunately, when applied to the individual and which side of the spiritual war they are on, most people prove themselves to be fools.
C14-S29 : Application of prior examples.
1. The phrase So likewise means: 'The reasoning of the prior two examples is to be applied to the consideration of this sentence'.
2. The phrase whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath means: 'This is the requirement'. . . .
3. The phrase he cannot be my disciple means: 'This is the consequence of not fulfilling the requirement'.
4. Please notice that this is not speaking about salvation but is speaking about discipleship. Unfortunately, many people who accept salvation reject discipleship. Those people end up with tears for more than 1,000-years, are everlasting paupers and suffer many other everlasting losses.
C14-S30 : Example of salt.
1. The phrase Salt is good means: 'It not only is good but is a requirement of life'.
2. The phrase but if the salt have lost his savour means: 'If salt can not do its basic function'. The basic function of the saved is discipleship which enables them to produce spiritual fruit. Therefore, this parable is symbolically representing the saved but carnal person.
3. The phrase wherewith shall it be seasoned? means: 'If a saved person refuses discipleship, how will they produce spiritual fruit and receive the results of producing spiritual fruit?'.
C14-S31 says: It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. Such has no use and a saved person who refuses to become a disciple has no use to God. They are foolish to expect God to reward such behavior.
C14-S32 says: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Please see the Detailed Note for other Bible references to this precept. It tells us that we must hear the spiritual lesson.

Chapter 15 Summary:

The Self-Righteous Lost versus the Repentant Saved.

This chapter consists almost exclusively of parables said to the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes. Our first couple of sentences tells us Then drew near unto him all the public and and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. As a result, Jesus answers with three parables that start in Luke 15:3 we have 'The Parable of the Lost Sheep'. Then in Luke 15:8-10 we have 'The Parable of the Piece of Money'. Then in Luke 15:11-32 we have the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son'. Thus, other than the first two sentences, the entire chapter consists of parables told to self-righteous people who were judgmental towards Jesus because This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

The one thing to keep in mind is that, according to the context, the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son' was said to the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes, who are actually pictured as the older who stayed home with the father. Thus, our religious traditions have mislabeled this parable. It really should be labeled 'The Parable of the Self-Righteous Judgmental Son'.

In Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7; we read 'The Parable of the Lost Sheep'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 15:8-10; we read 'The Parable of the Piece of Money'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 15:11-32; we read the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

C15-S1 : Jesus attracted sinners.
1. The word Then means: 'After Jesus put the religious leaders to shame because of their pride'. (That was what Luke reported in the prior chapter.)
2. The phrase drew near unto him all the public and and sinners for to hear him means: 'The public and and sinners did not have the pride of the religious leaders. Therefore, they were not insulted by the comments from Jesus, which were reported in the prior chapter. In addition, in the prior chapter, Jesus told them how they could go to Heaven and receive everlasting rewards from God. Therefore, they were happy to listen to Jesus'.
C15-S2 : the self-righteous religious people objected.
1. Our sentence adds the religious complaints from the religious leaders.
2. The phrase The Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying means: 'This is who complained'. We see the same complaint reported in: Matthew 9:10-11; Matthew 11:19; ; Luke 5:30; Luke 7:34. . .
3. The phrase This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them means: 'Jesus was refusing to obey their additions to God's law'. The Pharisees and scribes claimed that doing this type of thing made a person spiritually unclean. In Matthew 15:17-18 and Mark 7:18-20; Jesus explains the true source of spiritual defilement.
C15-S3 : Jesus responded to their murmuring.
1. Our sentence adds the answer from Jesus. This is the 'Parable of the Lost Sheep'. It is also found in Matthew 18:2-14. This is the first, of three, parables whichall teach the same lesson.
2. The phrase he spake this parable unto them, saying means: 'This is what Jesus said to them'.
3. The phrase What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them means: 'This is the circumstance of the parable'.
4. The phrase doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost means: 'This is the action of the parable'.
5. The phrase until he find it? means: 'This is the desired result of the parable'.
6. This parable symbolically tells us the care of God the Father for His children who leave His care and wander in the would.
C15-S4 : What the shepherd did.
1. Our sentence adds the response of the owner, which symbolically shows the response of God.
2. The phrase And when he hath found it means: 'Symbolically, this means when the child of God returns to their own ongoing personal relationship with God'.
3. The phrase he layeth it on his shoulders means: 'This represents someone who, spiritually, returns to God and the truth given in word of God'.
4. The phrase rejoicing means: 'This is God's response'.
C15-S5 : how the shepherd reacted.
1. Our sentence adds the message of angels rejoicing with God in Heaven.
2. The phrase And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them means: 'God does not have to return home but this is part of the Earthly story which gives a Heavenly meaning'.
3. The phrase Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost means: 'God tells the angels and saints in heaven to rejoice with Him when His child returns to a right relationship with God'.
C15-S6 : the application.
1. The phrase I say unto you means: 'Jesus said this. There is no opinion which can oppose what He said'.
2. The phrase that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth means: 'The spiritual message of this parable is like the physical story of this parable'.
3. The phrase more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance means: 'There are NO people who need no repentance. There are only religious fools who believe that they, and their group, need no repentance. Someone who accepts a true relationship with God causes rejoicing while ninety and nine religious fools cause no rejoicing with their lives which will take them to Hell'.
C15-S7 : the start of the second parable.
1. Our sentence adds the second, of three, parables which teach the same lesson.
2. The phrase Either what woman having ten pieces of silver means: 'This is the condition of the parable'.
3. The phrase if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house means: 'This is the action of the parable'. . . .
4. The phrase and seek diligently till she find it? means: 'This is the result of the parable'.
5. The message of the parable is that God will try different ways to try to get His child to return to a right relationship with Him and He will continue until the child returns or God kills him as useless in this world.
C15-S8 says: And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Again, we read a message of rejoicing, which is symbolic of rejoicing in Heaven when God get His child to return to a right relationship.
C15-S9 says: Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. While it is believed that the angels also rejoice, the phrase joy in the presence of the angels means: 'God and the saints in Heaven receive joy from this response by the wayward child of God'
C15-S10 : the start of the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son', which is of the third parable of this chapter. All three parables teach the same message in different ways and need to be considered together in order to find the true meaning of each. And, while it is usually preached about the younger son, a pew have also preached about the older son. Both sons need to be restore to a proper relationship with the father. There was a different method of restoration used for each son because each son was separated for different reasons. However, the message of this parable and of the chapter is that God wants everyone restored to a proper relationship with God. And, God is willing to use any righteous method to accomplish that goal.
1. in this parable, it should be obvious that the father symbolically represents God the Father. The older son represents the Jews who stayed with the father but did not know the personality of the father. They refused to have an ongoing personal relationship with the father. Our parable does not say that the older son truly repented and corrected his relationship because, while many religious people do so, most do not. In Matthew 7:23 we read: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. That reference tells us about religious people who expect to go the Heaven and are rejected because keeping religious rules does not save us. Twice, in Genesis, we are told that a man knew his wife; and she conceived. So, part off the true Biblical definition of the word know is: 'a personal intimate relationship'. Our reference in Matthew tells us that the religious person, who does not have the personal intimate relationship is rejected when they seek to enter Heaven. The younger son, in the parable, acted worse at the son but ended up accepting the personal intimate relationship. He represents the people who will be accepted into Heaven.
2. The phrase And he said means: 'Jesus gave this parable'.
3. The phrase A certain man had two sons means: 'This gives us the circumstance of the parable'. Symbolically, the two sons represent the Jews and the Gentiles.
4. The phrase And the younger of them said to his father means: 'This son represents the Gentiles'. At the time of Noah, all men were part of the same family. This son represents the people who wandered far from God and did not teach their children the truth about God. As a result, the children made up their own wrong doctrines.
5. The phrase Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me means: 'In Jewish culture, the inheritance was divided before the death of the parents'. Some people criticize the younger son for saying this and the Father for allowing it, but they are, wrongly, applying their own beliefs and their own culture to people of another culture.
C15-S11 says: And he divided unto them his living. The father did as requested.
C15-S12 : the younger son left.
1. Our sentence adds the foolish decision of the younger son.
2. The phrase And not many days after the younger son gathered all together means: 'He took all because he planned on not returning'.
3. The phrase and took his journey into a far country means: 'He went where his father and brother could not comment on his sinful life'.
4. The phrase and there wasted his substance with riotous living means: 'Party! Party! Party! is the cry of many people, especially when someone else is paying for it. But, as seen in this parable, the so-called friends, gained in that manner, abandon you when you no longer pay and need help'.
C15-S13 : the younger son had problems.
1. Our sentence adds the change in circumstances.
2. The phrase And when he had spent all means: 'He acted like many people, especially those people who claim to be saved and also claim that they can't afford to tithe'. He was foolish with his spending. Many people do nor have sufficient savings to carry them through a disaster because they are not obeying God's commands about the attitudes and actions to have towards money. Please see the Doctrinal Study called godly Financial Principals about Godly attitudes and actions to have towards money.
3. The phrase there arose a mighty famine in that land means: 'We should all understand that there is no question of if a disaster will hit but the questions are: when, how and what will we be the consequence to us and those that we are responsible for'.
4. The phrase and he began to be in want means: 'Pay attention to the word began'. If we truly look at the history in the word of God, we see that God allows such things to separate the obedient from thaw disobedient with God providing for the obedient while the disobedient suffer. We also see that God provides for the truly obedient children of God. Such times are a test of our faith and show our level of obedience during the time of plenty. This son did not recognize that circumstances would change during his life and he did not prepare. The same happens to many people. And, the real question is: are you going to learn your lesson, like this son did, or are you going to return to a life of foolishness and sin.
C15-S14 : He did what was necessary to live.
1. Our sentence adds the first solution which this son tried.
2. The phrase And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country means: 'This seems to be a reasonable solution. However, like manythings in life, the experience did not match the expectation'.
3. The phrase and he sent him into his fields to feed swine means: 'Many people note that He should not have done this job, but he had no choice'. Many people, especially the young, have found themselves in a similar situation. As with this younger son, most (not all) first were willed with pride and left the support of their family and / or church.
C15-S15 : the younger son had a desperate time.
1. Our sentence adds the results of his wrong decision.
2. The phrase And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat means: 'Yes he had a job but was at starvation wages'. Most people get to make the first real major decision of their life when they graduate from high school. And, I have several relatives in their thirties and forties who are crying about how hard life is after they spent their twenties having a good time without preparing to get a good paying job. No, money isn't everything. But, it is foolish to not prepare for unexpected trouble while you can.
3. The phrase and no man gave unto him means: 'This is the cry of many poor, especially in countries which have a welfare program'. No welfare program ever fulfilled the desires of people who rely upon it instead of developing their personal relationship with God and doing what God commands so that God can provide for them. This young man knew better that do what the parable said that he did, but he refused to believe that he would end up in the circumstances which he, undoubtedly, was warned about if he pursued that type of life.
C15-S16 : the younger son figured out what was better for him.
1. Our sentence adds the fact that he finally wised up.
2. The phrase And when he came to himself means: 'He finally started using his brain and looked at reality instead of what he wanted to believe'. Most deceived people have a chance to know the truth, at some point in their life, but choose to believe the comfortable lie.
3. The phrase he said means: 'He said this to himself. This shows that he finally faced reality even though it was not what he wanted to believe'.
4. The phrase How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare means: 'His father treats everyone, including servants, better than he realized'. God the Father does the same. in this parable, this son realized the character of his father and realized that his father was far more loving than anyone else in the world.
5. The phrase and I perish with hunger! means: 'He realized and acknowledger the consequence of his error'. In the last few chapters of Acts; we read that Paul made a collection and brought financial help to the poor of the Jerusalem church who were starving because God was punishing them. They were holding onto doctrinal error and insisting that people had to become Jews in order to be saved and that Jews had to keep the religious traditions in order to be sanctified. God destroyed that church in order to end that doctrinal error. However, what that teaches us is that, even being saved, does not keep people from making this error. God wants us to realize, and acknowledge, the consequence of our sin so that we can truly Biblically repent and correct our relationship with God.
C15-S18 says: And he arose, and came to his father. He acted on his decision. Notice that he came to his father. He didn't go to religion and didn't go to anyone but personally went to the symbolic representation of God. .
C15-S19 : His father reacted when he saw the younger son.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. The father didn't wait until he arrived at the house but ran to him. This is the symbolic representative of God's reaction to true repentance.
2. The phrase But when he was yet a great way off means: 'The father had to be looking for the son in order to see him a great way off'. Some things are only learned from experience. A truly loving parent never wants their child hurt. However, a truly loving parent knows this and lets their child suffer the consequence of doing sin. There have been studies which show that most criminals were raised by mothers who refused to admit that their child sinned and refused to let their child learn from the consequence of their sin. In almost all cases, the father was missing or completely submissive to the mother.
3. The phrase his father saw him means: 'God is watching for a truly repentant child of His'. This is the main message of the entire chapter.
4. The phrase and had compassion means: 'This is one of the main reactions of God'. We read about this reaction when God's children truly repent and when God's children sin in ignorance because they were never taught truth and, especially, when they have been taught doctrinal error.
5. The phrase and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him means: 'This is the action of love by the father'.
C15-S20 : the younger son confessed his sin.
1. Our sentence adds what the son did.
2. The phrase And the son said unto him means: 'He did what he agreed to do when he truly repented'.
3. The phrase Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight means: 'He acknowledged and of his sin, including that it was against heaven'.
4. The phrase and am no more worthy to be called thy son means: 'He acknowledged, and accepted, the consequence of his sin'.
C15-S21 : the father expresses his decision.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. Since the son acknowledged his sin, and the results of the sin, the father could show true mercy.
2. The phrase But the father said to his servants symbolically tells us how God reacts in Heaven.
3. The phrase Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet means: 'The father restored him to his prior position'. Be careful about this truth. Some sins, such as violating a covenant agreement, prevent full restoration. Yes, you can still get mercy and a partial restoration. However, some sins cause permanent damage and full restoration is, probably, not possible in such cases.
4. The phrase And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry means: 'The father commanded a celebration'.
5. The phrase For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found means: 'This is why'.
C15-S22 says: And they began to be merry. Think how most people react when they are commanded to: 'Take the rest of the day off work and come to the party'.
C15-S23 : the elder son was unaware of what happened.
1. The word Now means: 'After you understand what was said before this'. I've heard preachers cover the first part of this parable and I've heard preachers cover the last part of this parable. However, very few cover all of it and the parable was given as a single unit. Therefore, we need to look at it as a single message. What we see here are two sons who acted differently. However, both sinned against the father with their attitude. The younger son truly repented and was forgiven, but no longer had an inheritance due to him. We are not told is the older son truly repented or if he kept his sinful attitude. We also are not told if he received forgiveness. What we do see is the love of the father given to both sons in spite of their sinful and unthankful, attitude towards the father. That is an important lesson which is also in this parable but the entire parable needs to be considered in order to see this lesson.
2. The phrase his elder son was in the field symbolically represents the religious Jews doing what they believed was working for God.
3. The phrase and as he came and drew nigh to the house symbolically represents the religious Jews considering the reward that they expected to receive when they got to Heaven.
4. The phrase he heard musick and dancing symbolically represents the religious Jews seeing the sinners and publicans celebrating their forgiveness from God and given a promise of a home in Heaven.
C15-S24 : the elder son asked what was happening.
1. Our sentence adds the action of the elder son. This avoids his looking ignorant before everyone in the house.
2. The phrase And he called one of the servants means: 'This is who the elder son asked'.
3. The phrase and asked what these things meant means: 'This is what he asked'.
C15-S25 : the elder son received an explanation.
1. The phrase And he said unto him means: 'The servant answered the question'.
2. The phrase Thy brother is come means: 'The younger son had returned'. The word thy means: 'your personal'. This eliminates confusion with someone who did not have the same parents but was still called brother.
3. The phrase and thy father hath killed the fatted calf means: 'The father was hosting a party'.
4. The phrase because he hath received him safe and sound means: 'This is why'.
C15-S26 : the elder son reacted wrongly. This is called: 'Cutting off your nose to spite your face'.
1. The phrase And he was angry, and would not go in means: 'This was his reaction'. This phrase is symbolic of what we read in Matthew 2:14-17 and other places in the Bible.
2. The phrase therefore came his father out means: ''.
3. The phrase and intreated him means: 'His father sought to find out what was wrong so that he could fix it'.
C15-S27 : the elder son explains his anger.
1. The phrase And he answering said to his father means: 'The older son gave this answer to explain why he refused to participate'.
2. The phrase Lo, these many years do I serve thee means: 'Pay attention to all that I have done for you personally'. He is looking at what he did but ignoring what his father did. He regarded what his father did as required and not worthy of thanks. We find this attitude with many, if not most, religious people.
3. The phrase neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment means: 'I always obey'. This is never true for a son nor for a child of God.
4. The phrase and yet thou never gavest me a kid means: 'When we look at the answer from the father, in the next sentence, it becomes obvious that he never asked'. Someone who never asks has no right to complain about someone else not giving. This is also true for people who complain against God.
5. The phrase that I might make merry with my friends means: 'He makes is sound like his father treated him like a slave and never let him have any fun'. However, such a claim does not fit with the character we see in the rest of the parable. Unfortunately, many people who claim to be children of God also blaspheme the name of God (2Samuel 2:14; Romans 2:24).
6. The phrase But as soon as this thy son was come means: 'He is complaining against mercy and grace'.
7. The phrase which hath devoured thy living with harlots means: 'He is judging his brother instead of extending love. Every religious person who does the same makes excuses for their own sin and demands a different form of judgment be applied to themselves'.
8. The phrase thou hast killed for him the fatted calf means: 'Here is his real complaint. He is worried about losing part of his inheritance'. The rewards for Jews and for church are different in Heaven. The church does not replace the Jews.
C15-S28 : the father responds.
1. Our sentence adds the assurance from the father.
2. The phrase And he said unto him means: 'This is the answer from the father'.
3. The phrase Son means: 'First, the father reminds the son of their relationship'. The younger son is not more important. God's love for one person, or group, does not interfere with His love for others.
4. The phrase thou art ever with me means: 'He can ask for anything that he wants any time that he wants'.
5. The phrase and all that I have is thine means: 'He will not lose any of his inheritance'.
C15-S29 : the father explains the error of the elder son. This was also the error of the Jews, especially of the religious leaders of the Jews.
1. The phrase It was meet that we should make merry means: 'It is proper. that we should make merry, any way that you look at it'.
2. The phrase and be glad means: 'We should feel this way'.
3. The phrase For this thy brother was dead, and is alive again means: 'Your brother was not responding to us but now he responds'.
4. The phrase and was lost, and is found means: 'We had no idea where he was but now he is returned'.

Chapter 16 Summary:

The Rewards and Future of the Religious Lost.

in this chapter, Jesus changes from talking to the Pharisees and scribes to talking to His disciples. Jesus starts with a parable, that the Pharisees and scribes overhear, where He talks about 'The Wise Steward'. Many people don't understand this parable and try to explain it with some error. In addition, in order to understand this parable, the key to understanding it is that the master is foolish according to the wisdom of this world, but not necessarily foolish according to the wisdom of God. Also, the steward is wise, according to the wisdom of this world, but is foolish according to the wisdom of God because he still has to face the judgment of God. In addition, in order to understand this parable, we need to remember that Isaiah 55:8 says: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. The key to understanding this parable is in Luke 16:15; where we read: that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

The next thing to pay attention to is the fact that the lord, in the parable, is lowercase. That means that the word lord is referring to the rich man and not to Jesus. Therefore, when the parable says: The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely, it is talking about the rich man commending the steward for doing what his world considers to be wise. The steward took care of his needs in this world. However, we need to remember that Jesus also said: that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Therefore, while the steward was wise in this world, he was condemned by God.

Next, we need to remember that the Pharisees and scribes were listening in. Therefore, when Jesus said: And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations, He was actually speaking to the Pharisees and scribes. The phrase when (not if) ye fail. Their failure is not making sure that they passed the judgment of God and went to Heaven in eternity. After that comment, Jesus returned to speaking to His disciples when He gave the instructions of Luke 16:10-13.

Hopefully the reader understands that the religious lost (represented by Pharisees and scribes) have their reward in this life but will be in Hell and the lake of fire as their everlasting habitations.

Next, realize that Luke 16:14 says: And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things. That is why I wrote earlier that the Pharisees and scribes overheard what Jesus said. It is also why I wrote that the one comment from Jesus was directed at them.

Our chapter continues with Jesus directing comments to the Pharisees and scribes starting in Luke 16:15. He tells them that God knoweth your hearts, which is the basis for our judgment by God. Jesus says several things to them and then tells about 'Lazarus and the Rich Man Dying'. This is not a parable but is a true account and something that only God could know, which is why unbelievers call it a parable. However, before that account, Jesus says something about marriage and divorce, which might seem out of context. How it fits within the context of this chapter is explained in the note for that sentence.

in this chapter the first half has comments from Jesus to His disciples with The Pharisees and scribes listening in. The last half of this chapter is directed to The Pharisees and scribes. In everything said in this chapter Jesus says that they, as lost religious people, have their reward in this world but face the judgment of God after death. Hopefully, the reader understands how the things of this chapter match the theme of this chapter.

In Luke 16:1-8; we read the 'Parable of the Unjust Steward'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 16:9-13; we read that Jesus was directly speaking to His disciples (16:1) but was actually indirectly speaking to the Pharisees and scribes. He knew that they were listening in. Therefore, He could say things that they would object to if He said those things directly to the Pharisees and scribes. However, since they were listening in on a conversation that he had with His disciples, they could not directly object at that time. Since this section is often misunderstood, the reader should read the detail notes for the sentences in this section in order to properly understand what was really going on.

Starting in Luke 16:14; Jesus returned to speaking directly to the Pharisees and scribes because they derided him while others were listening. Jesus did not leave the other listeners wondering who told the truth. Jesus first stated the motivations of their hearts which caused them to pervert God's law. Then He said that Gos's law never changed for any reason. Jesus then showed how they perverted God's law in a way that everyone understood their pervertion. After these things, He gave the true account of lazarus and the rich man as a warning to them of their own personal fate if they continued to serve sin.

C16-S1 : Our sentence adds to the message of the prior chapter with the 'Parable of the Unjust Steward'.
1. While this is a parable, it is also prophecy. Many people have a hard time explaining what this parable means because it tells us: The lord commended the unjust steward and that does not match the character of Jesus. However, the summary notes below explain this. This parable can be taken literally, and explained as such, but our Gospel is adding it to the prior chapter where Jesus gave parables telling the Jewish religious leaders that they were wrong in their relationship to God. (Think of the older brother in the prior parable.) And, Jesus spoke to the lost and carnal in parables which they would misunderstand but which the spiritual would understand if they properly interpreted the symbolic language. Therefore, we to look at the symbolic language in this parable and consider the message given to the Jewish religious leaders.
2. The phrase And he said also unto his disciples means: 'Jesus said this disciples while the religious leaders were standing there and also listening'.
3. The phrase There was a certain rich man, which had a steward means: 'This is symbolic of God the father (The rich man) having the Jews as His people and the scribes and Levites appointed and His stewards'.
4. The phrase and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods means: 'This is the accusation brought against the religious leaders'.
C16-S2 : the lord confronted the steward.
1. The phrase And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? means: 'This is symbolic of God sending prophets to tell the religious leaders about their sin and doctrinal error that they taught to God's people'. The kept refusing to do the honest job of a steward belonging to God.
C16-S3 : the steward was fired.
1. The phrase give an account of thy stewardship means: 'Plan on facing the judgment of God'.
2. The phrase for thou mayest be no longer steward means: 'This is symbolic language for God's notice that He is going to stop using the Jews to bring His message to men and use the church instead'.
C16-S4 says: Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? this is a prophecy of what the Jews will do in the future when God kicks them out of their land.
C16-S5 : He considered his future.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true.
2. The phrase for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship means: 'There is no doubt that the Jews lost their land'.
3. The phrase I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed means: 'Jews always seek professional positions. They try to avoid menial labor'.
C16-S6 : He figured out how to have others owe him.
1. Our sentence adds what the Jews actually did.
2. The phrase I am resolved what to do means: 'This is what the Jews figured out to do'.
3. The phrase that, when I am put out of the stewardship means: 'They did this when they lost their land and had to flee the Middle East'.
4. The phrase they may receive me into their houses means: 'The Jews became the bankers of royalty'. They were despised and hated and many were jealous of them, but they could handle money (be stewards) better than any other people. So, in spite of how people felt about them, they were welcomed into royal houses to handle the money and increase the wealth of their masters.
C16-S7 : He started his plan.
1. The phrase So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him means: 'They reached out to sinners'.
2. The phrase and said unto the first means: 'They learned with the first and continued with whatever variation in doctrine was required'.
3. The phrase How much owest thou unto my lord? means: 'Symbolically, they found out what was the favorite sin of that person'.
C16-S8 : the debtor answered.
1. The phrase And he said, An hundred measures of oil means: 'Oil is used symbolically for spiritual matters. This person was following doctrines of devils such as witches and sorcerers'.
C16-S9 : the steward told the debtor to cheat his lord.
1. The phrase And he said unto him means: 'The Jews claimed that they could reduce the consequence of sin'.
2. The phrase Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty means: 'The Jews claimed that they would have less of a sin debt if the sinner followed their doctrinal error'.
3. In 1Samuel 28 we read that Saul went to a woman who had a familiar spirit and had her raise the spirit of Samuel. So, yes, the Jews had some basis for claiming that they could get spirits to do their bidding. They lied in claiming that God had to accept their lies.
C16-S10 says: Then said he to another, And how much owest thou?. The steward did the same with another.
C16-S11 says: And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. This person was sinning to gain the things of this world such as wealth and fame.
C16-S12 : the steward told the debtor to cheat his lord.
1. The phrase And he said unto him means: 'The Jews claimed that they could reduce the consequence of sin'.
2. The phrase Take thy bill, and write fourscore means: 'The Jews claimed that they would have less of a sin debt if the sinner followed their doctrinal error'.
3. The Jewish religious leaders, in the Gospel times, convinced Jews that they could devote their life to seeking worldly wealth and that God had to give them as much wealth in Heaven and make them leaders in Heaven. So, yes, they convinced people that keeping their religious rules would force God to reduce their sin debt for seeking worldly things instead of serving God.
C16-S13 : the human lord recognized worldly wisdom.
1. Our sentence adds what the human lord did.
2. The phrase And the lord means: 'Please notice that this is a lowercase lord, which means it is not referring to Jesus nor to God. This is what the human man, in the parable, did. He is not used symbolically for Jesus nor for God. He represents human government officials who hired the Jews to be their bankers'.
3. The phrase commended the unjust steward means: 'This is what the human government officials when they decided to hire the Jews to be their bankers'.
4. The phrase because he had done wisely means: 'The Jews had worldly wisdom'.
5. The phrase for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light means: 'This is why worldly leaders have this opinion'. The children of light tend to not be rich nor famous in this world. In addition, many do not obey The word of God about handling finances. Therefore, many of The children of light live in more poverty than is necessary.
C16-S14 : Jesus talks to the Pharisees and scribes and adds instructions for them.
1. The phrase And I say unto you means: 'Jesus said this'.
2. The phrase Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness means: 'Make friends with worldly leaders'.
3. The phrase that, when ye fail means: 'When you die lost'.
4. The phrase they may receive you into everlasting habitations means: 'They will welcome you into Hell because the Jews failed to deliver the true message of salvation from God'. Others in Hell will feel that they deserve to suffer also because of their great failure.
C16-S15 : Jesus tells the precept which applies to the prior parable. The next few sentences also need to be considered in context with this sentence as they add clarification. God gives His children things which God thinks are of little value but men think are of great value. Then, God tests us by telling us to give those things to someone else when we feel like we need them to survive. If we obey, we pass the test and prove that we have true Biblical faith in God. If we refuse to obey, then prove that we do not have true Biblical faith in God.
1. The phrase He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much means: 'This is a test which is always true and one that we can use to test how faithful someone really is'.
2. The phrase and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much means: 'Notice that our prior phrase dealt with faith and this phrase deals with justice. The same principal is true for both character traits and this test can be used for either of them'.
C16-S16 : the application to eternity.
1. Notice that Jesus calls money and fame unrighteous mammon and clearly tells us that true riches do not include those things. True riches are what God gives to the saved who truly serve Him after they get to Heaven.
2. The phrase If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon means: 'People who refuse to obey God about handling money and fame are who is not faithful in the unrighteous mammon'.
3. The phrase who will commit to your trust the true riches? means: 'Certainly God won't and there is no other Being who will give out such in Heaven'.
C16-S17 : the second application to eternity.
1. Our sentence adds another way of considering the same principal as the prior sentence.
2. The phrase And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? means: 'As we read in a prior sentence, he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Therefore, God is not going to give something of true value to someone who will mishandle it in heaven'.
C16-S18 : the second precept which deals with the same concept.
1. Our sentence adds evidence of the doctrine in the prior sentences.
2. The phrase No servant can serve two masters means: 'This is a statement of fact'. Many people try to do this and many claim that Jesus is wrong because they believe otherwise and may even know someone who has done this for a time. However, there will always come a time when the person has conflicting orders and must chose to disobey one or the other master of even disobey both.
3. The phrase for either he will hate the one, and love the other means: 'This person will put the orders of one master above the orders of the other master'. The true Biblical definition of the word hate includes: 'A significant preference for another above the object of the hate'.
4. The phrase or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other means: 'This is the action associated with the significant preference for another above the other'.
C16-S19 says: Ye cannot serve God and mammon. This is a personal application of the precept. The New Testament definition forthe word mammon is: 'All forms of wealth and whatever is used to generate wealth including influence on others, worldly power and fame'. We can not be pursuing wealth in this world and serving God at the same time because seeking mammon requires putting our own desires as the top priority of life and truly serving God requires putting God's desires as the top priority of this life.
C16-S20 : the guilty derided the messenger of the truth.
1. Our sentence adds the reaction of the religious leaders.
2. The phrase And the Pharisees also means: 'This is who reacted this way'.
3. The phrase who were covetous means: 'This was their exposed sin'. This sin is one of the Ten Commandments which religious people claim to keep as evidence of their salvation, but which they actually violate. (Please use the provided link to see more references to the Ten Commandments.)
4. The phrase heard all these things means: 'They not only heard them but they also understood them, which is part of the true Biblical definition for the word hear'.
5. The phrase and they derided him. The word deride means: 'To laugh. to laugh at in contempt; to turn to ridicule or make sport of; to mock; to treat with scorn by laughter. The Pharisees also-derided him. Luke 16. Some, who adore Newton for his fluxions, deride him for his religion'. Please see the Study on Psalms 1:1; which explains that this action gets a judgment from God which is the opposite of blessed. People act this way when they have been proven to be wrong, or foolish, and they can not answer the proof against them. So, rather than try to correct their fault, they attack the character of the person who proved them to be wrong. It is called trying to deflect blame.
C16-S21 : God judges differently than men.
1. Our sentence adds the response from Jesus to the ridicule from the religious leaders. This response goes through the end of the chapter. In it, Jesus tells them of an actual historical event which people try to deny, even today, by claiming that this report is a parable. However, parables are stories and not reports of actual events. A parable does not include the name of an actual person. In addition, Jesus spoke in parables to cause the lost and carnal to have a wrong interpretation of what He said. However, He is not doing that here. Here, Jesus is giving a very clear warning to the religious people who derided Him.
2. The phrase And he said unto them means: 'Jesus gave this warning to the religious people who derided Him'.
3. The phrase Ye are they which justify yourselves before men means: 'They feared the judgment of men more than they feared the judgment by God'. Matthew 10:28 says: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
4. The phrase but God knoweth your hearts means: 'God will judge us based upon out heart'.
5. The phrase for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God means: 'This is why the prior part of this sentence is true'.
C16-S22 : the change in how God deals with men.
1. The phrase The law and the prophets were until John means: 'The Old Testament ended with the death of John the Baptist'. The people who want to claim that the 'Church Age' did not start until Pentecost need to explain the time between the end of the Old Testament and when they claim that the New Testament started.
2. The phrase since that time the kingdom of God is preached means: 'The kingdom of God is God's character in you. Having God's Holy Spirit in us is one of the main differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament. A major part of the problem is that there are a lot of stupid preachers who insist that there is no difference between conception and birth. (Ask any mother about that claim.) A lot of preachers are going to be shocked when God says that all of the abortions are their fault. God will not eliminate that error from the world until He first eliminates it from the doctrine of His people 2Chronicles 7:14. And, God's people are responsible for all of the consequences of their sin and doctrinal error'.
3. The phrase and every man presseth into it means: 'Everyone, from the time of this statement until now, only went to Heaven under the New Testament'.
C16-S23 : Our sentence adds the reliability of scripture. Matthew 5:18 says, almost the exact same thing. The word tittle means: 'The smallest part of written language. Basically, this is our punctuation'.
1. The phrase And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass means: 'This will not happen until after the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11)'.
2. The phrase than one tittle of the law to fail means: 'God preserves His word, which is His message, every word of His word, which means that we must use Bible definitions for Bible words, and the tittle gives us the punctuation, which constitutes sentences'. Popular doctrinal error says to interpret the word of God using man's way instead of God's way. Among other errors, that wrong method claims that we must interpret God's word 'verse by verse'. The errors in man's way is what causes prideful men to claim that there are errors in the word of God instead of admitting that the errors are due to their using the wrong way to interpret the word of God.
C16-S24 : the law of remarriage when divorced.
1. Our sentence adds a specific example of doctrinal error which comes directly from using man's way to interpret the word of God.
2. The phrase Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another means: 'Pay attention to the word and'. There are a lot of people preaching that a man who does not marrieth another does committeth adultery. That is a wrong interpretation and a lie from a devil.
3. The phrase committeth adultery means: 'This is the specific ongoing (committeth sin'. Please see the detailed Note for more on this sin and the explanation of this sentence.
4. The phrase and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery means: 'This is the specific ongoing (committeth sin'. Please see the detailed Note for more on this sin and the explanation of this sentence.
C16-S25 : Jesus tells us about 'Lazarus and the Rich Man Dying'.
1. Our sentence adds a specific report of the results of believing doctrinal error.
2. The phrase There was a certain rich man means: 'This is the first person of this report. He had what the religious leaders wanted. Therefore, they identified themselves with this man'.
3. The phrase which was clothed in purple and fine linen means: 'This was the clothing of royalty. The religious leaders sought their influence and approval so that they could have more of the mammon of this world'.
4. The phrase and fared sumptuously every day means: 'Food not only was for comfort but also was an important status symbol'.
5. The phrase And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus means: 'He is the second person in this report. Notice that he is named, which proves that this is a report and not a parable. In addition, he is more important to God, than the rich man, because God names him but does not name the rich man'.
6. The phrase which was laid at his gate, full of sores means: 'This is the physical condition of Lazarus. In addition, the rich man had to know Lazarus, and his condition, because Lazarus was laid at his gate'.
7. The phrase And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table means: 'The rich man knew of the begging by Lazarus and ignored it'. This was the approved attitude of the religious leaders. They claimed that having anything to do with a beggar, like Lazarus, would make them spiritually unclean.
8. The phrase moreover the dogs came and licked his sores means: 'The dogs in the street had pity on Lazarus'.
C16-S26 : Where both went after death.
1. Our sentence adds the end result of both men.
2. The phrase And it came to pass means: 'This is what happened after a time'.
3. The phrase that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom means: 'This is another name for paradise, which was where God's people were kept until Jesus paid for their sins. Our phrases tell us what happened to Lazarus spiritually because that is what was most important in his life'.
4. The phrase The rich man also died, and was buried means: 'Our phrases tell us what happened to him physically because that is what was most important in his life'.
5. The phrase And in hell he lift up his eyes means: 'This is where his spirit and soul ended up. Notice that he still has senses even though he left his body behind. And, he can now sense things spiritually'. While we are physically alive, our spiritual senses are connected to our physical senses and it is very hard to sense anything spiritual. However, when we die physically, our spiritual senses are freed and we can then sense spiritual things.
6. The phrase being in torments means: 'This is what he was experiencing spiritually'.
7. The phrase and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom means: 'This let us know that Paradise and Hell were both in the center of the earth and that people in the one area could see, and communicate with, the people in the other area'. Isaiah 5:14 says: Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. The important part, of this verse and for our consideration, is the start of it. When Jesus led everyone out of paradise and led them to Heaven, Hell expanded to consume the area that was paradise, since it was no longer needed.
C16-S27 : the response of the rich man when he found out where he was.
1. Our sentence adds the begging of the rich man.
2. The phrase And he cried and said means: 'This was an experience that he did not have in his physical life'.
3. The phrase Father Abraham means: 'He claims Abraham as his father but Jesus denied that claim for the religious Jew because they did not demonstrate the character of Abraham'. Outside of the Gospels, verses which use Abraham and father make it clear that we must receive the character of Abraham before God accepts this claim. Please see: Matthew 3:9; Luke 1:73; Luke 3:8; Luke 16:24; Luke 16:30; John 8:39; John 8:53; John 8:56; Romans 4:1; Romans 4:12; Romans 4:16 and James 2:21. .
4. The phrase have mercy on me means: 'He should know the truth but ignored the truth from The word of God. Abraham can not give him mercy. Only God can and God stops offering anything when we die physically. The message of this doctrine is to get right with God while you are still alive physically'.
5. The phrase and send Lazarus means: 'Now he acknowledges knowing Lazarus'.
6. The phrase that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue means: 'He wants Lazarus to do what he spent his life refusing to do. And, while Lazarus might be willing to do the request, God prevents it. We see here God's 'Law of Sowing and Reaping'. He is reaping the results of what he spent his life sowing'.
7. The phrase for I am tormented in this flame means: 'Here is why he is asking for mercy'. He surely was warned of this result while he was alive physically, but refused to believe the warnings.
C16-S28 : the answer from Abraham.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. Our sentence tells us that Abraham answered his request with a refusal.
2. The phrase But Abraham said, Son means: 'Abraham accepted his calling Abraham father because that is what the rich man believed and the correction of titles would distract from the true message of the answer'.
3. The phrase remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things means: 'Abraham reminded him of what his physical life was like'. . . .
4. The phrase and likewise Lazarus evil things means: 'Abraham reminded him of what physical life was like for Lazarus '. The rich man knew both of these things and did nothing to help Lazarus.
5. The phrase but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented means: 'Each is reaping what they spent their life sowing'.
C16-S29 : Why his request can not be fulfilled.
1. Our sentence adds the impossibility to answer the request to Abraham's lack of desire to do so.
2. The phrase And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed means: 'This is the physical condition'. . . .
3. The phrase so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence means: 'It was not possible to fulfill the request'.
C16-S20 : Our sentence adds an alternate request from the rich man.
1. The phrase Then he said means: 'The rich man is speaking'.
2. The phrase I pray thee therefore, father means: 'He is still calling Abraham father even while he regards Lazarus as a servant and refuses the recognize that Lazarus is every bit as much a son of Abraham as he is'. Even death does not remove foolishness.
3. The phrase that thou wouldest send him to my father's house means: 'He is worried about physical brothers even while refusing worry about other children of God and of Abraham'.
4. The phrase For I have five brethren means: 'This is the number of physical brothers. Obviously, he is not including other Jews in this number'.
5. The phrase that he may testify unto them means: 'As the answer from Abraham indicates, they already have people fulfilling this request and are refusing to listen'.
6. The phrase lest they also come into this place of torment means: 'Here is his worry'.
C16-S21 : Why his request can not be fulfilled.
1. The phrase Abraham saith unto him means: 'This is who answered'.
2. The phrase They have Moses and the prophets means: 'This is all of the written word of God that was available at that time'. As Peter tells us, the word of God is more sure than any testimony from men (2Peter 1:19.
3. The phrase let them hear them means: 'Abraham says for them to listen to the written word of God'.
C16-S22 : the rich man claims that a better witness is needed.
1. Our sentence adds thinking which has been proven wrong by the resurrection of Jesus and men who still die lost.
2. The phrase And he said means: 'This is the claim of the rich man'.
3. The phrase Nay, father Abraham means: 'This is a very strong disagreement'. Notice that throughout this Report, Jesus tells us that the rich man was seeking answers from Abraham because he was already experiencing his answer from God the Father. The Jews actually put more trust in the relationship that they claimed with Abraham than they did their relationship with God.
4. The phrase but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent means: 'As written, this has been proven wrong by the resurrection of Jesus and men who still die lost'.
C16-S23 says: And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. God already gave the best witness. Our sentence is the proven truth.

Chapter 17 Summary:

Those Who Have the Kingdom of God.

The theme of this chapter is less obvious than it is in most chapters in this Gospel. In 17:20 we read when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, the kingdom of God cometh not with observation. Jesus goes on to talk about the 'Rapture' and what this world will be like in those days. However, before that our chapter starts with Jesus telling His disciples to forgive one another. Then there is a question of faith. Then we have Jesus heal ten lepers but only one was thankful and praised God. He received forgiveness as well as receiving healing.

The one thing that all of these incidents have in common is that people who truly have The kingdom of God ('God's character in them') will have these character traits. They will forgive one another like God forgives them. They will have true faith that God can work through their life. They will be thankful to God and truly personally worship God. They will be saved and go up in the 'Rapture'. They will not participate in the sin which will be common in the world around them.

Luke 17:1-4 and Matthew 18:6-35 both teach on forgiveness but the circumstances and the specific lessons are different.

Then, in Luke 17:5 we read: And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. The answer from Jesus is in Luke 17:6-10; which includes the 'Parable of the Unprofitable Servant'. That parable is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 17:11-19; we read that Jesus cleanses ten lepers and says: Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?.

In Luke 17:20; we read that he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come Jesus answered them in Luke 17:20-21.

In Luke 17:20; we read that he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come Jesus answered them in Luke 17:20-21. After the answer to The Pharisees, Jesus gave a prophecy of future events which lasts through the end of the chapter. All of Matthew 24; Mark 13 and Luke 21 are dealing with prophecies of future events. The prophecy in Luke 17:22-31 is similar, but different, from the prophecies in the other gospels. Please see the section on Prophecies within the Significant Gospel Events for those references.

C17-S1 : Trust God to defend you.
1. Our sentence starts with the word then. That means 'After the statements of the prior chapter where Jesus told us 'The Rewards and Future of the Religious Lost''.
2. The phrase Then said he unto the disciples means: 'Jesus said this to His disciples'.
3. The phrase It is impossible but that offences will come means: 'There is no way for the true Biblical Christian to avoid offences'.
4. The phrase but woe unto him, through whom they come! means: 'God will judge the people who give such offences'.
C17-S2 : the consequence to the offender of God's children.
1. Our sentence adds the level of concern that God has for His children being offended.
2. The phrase It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea means: 'This illustration is given so that we can measure the response from God'.
3. The phrase than that he should offend one of these little ones means: 'This shows that God even protects the youngest of His children'.
C17-S3 : the warning to forgive a brother.
1. Our sentence adds how the saved are to react to offenses by their brethren.
2. The phrase Take heed to yourselves means: 'This is a warning to the saved to handle offenses God's way'.
3. The phrase If thy brother trespass against thee means: 'This is a trespass against the person personally. We are not to be offended by what a saved person does against another saved person. It is their job to deal with the offense'.
4. The phrase rebuke him means: 'Tell him what he did that was wrong and tell him the consequences of his wrong attitude or action'.
5. The phrase and if he repent, forgive him means: 'Notice the word if. It is doctrinal error to demand that a saved person forgive someone who does not repent. No, they are to not deal with the offense personally. A saved person is to turn such an offense over to God and let God deal with it. True faith requires the offended person to be assured that God will deal with things in His time and His way. And, if God chooses to not punish the offending person, the offended is to be assured that God will give them everlasting rewards, in Heaven, which far exceed the hurt of the offense'.
C17-S4 : forgive a brother for trespasses.
1. Our sentence adds how to handle repeated offenses.
2. The phrase And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day means: 'This is not the same offense done repeatedly because a repeated offense means that he did not truly repent, as required in the prior sentence. This sentence is dealing with multiple, but different, offenses'.
3. The phrase and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent means: 'He claims that he has turned to God for instructions on how to act and is trying to obey'. Be careful of this. Liars and deceived people believe that all they have to do is say the magic words, and you must forgive. And they believe this lie, even if they know that they are lying at the time.
4. The phrase thou shalt forgive him means: 'You personally are to forgive the truly repentant brother, regardless of the offense'. This is not commanded for the lost not for the unrepentant. It also does not mean that you have to accept the loss. They need to restore anything stolen or damaged.
C17-S5 says: And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Our sentence adds to the doctrine of the prior sentence. It definitely takes increased faith to truly obey the doctrine found earlier in this chapter
C17-S6 : the evidence of true faith.
1. Our sentence, and the next few sentences, adds the doctrinal answer from Jesus to the request of the prior sentence.
2. The phrase And the Lord said means: 'This answer came backed by the power of God because Jesus gave it within His role as Lord'.
3. The phrase If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed means: 'This is a very small amount of true Biblical faith'. Many people probably believe that this is impossible. But, remember Joshua stopping the movement of the sun and Moses parting the Red Sea and others doing great miracles. Remember that Peter raised the dead.
4. The phrase ye might say unto this sycamine tree means: 'This is just an example. Pay attention to the word might'.
5. The phrase Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea means: 'This is the example action'.
6. The phrase and it should obey you means: 'This is the example result'.
C17-S7 : Jesus starts a lesson on being a servant.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. The prior sentence makes many people think they can treat God as their servant. This sentence reminds us of our true relationship with God. The promised result of faith, in the prior sentence, is limited to something being done in the service of God's kingdom.
2. The phrase But which of you means: 'Jesus is bring their thoughts back to reality'.
3. The phrase having a servant plowing or feeding cattle means: 'The servant is doing hot and heavy work all day'.
4. The phrase will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field means: 'This is when this saying might (not really) be considered'.
5. The phrase Go and sit down to meat? means: 'This phrase needs to be considered within The context of the next sentence'.
C17-S8 : the relationship between a master and servant.
1. Our sentence adds what will be reality.
2. The phrase And will not rather say unto him means: 'This is the true attitude of a boss'.
3. The phrase Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken means: 'The boss is served first'.
4. The phrase and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? means: 'The servant eats after the boss'. In many cultures, the women eat after everyone else is at least served.
C17-S9 and C17-S10 say: Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. These two sentences need to be considered as a single unit.
C17-S11 : the proper attitude of a servant.
1. Our sentence adds the application of the prior doctrine.
2. The phrase So likewise ye means: 'This is the attitude which we are commanded to personally keep'.
3. The phrase when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you means: 'This is the circumstances when we are to have this attitude'.
4. The phrase say means: 'By saying this, we prove that we have this attitude'. . . .
5. The phrase We are unprofitable servants means: 'We have not given our master (God) anything more than what was due to him'.
6. The phrase we have done that which was our duty to do means: 'We only did what was required'.
C17-S12 : the start of the next incident.
1. The phrase And it came to pass means: 'This is the start of the next incident'.
2. The phrase as he went to Jerusalem means: 'Jesus was deliberately going to the crucifixion'.
3. The phrase that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee means: 'He went through the two areas which the religious Jews claimed had only sinners living in them'.
C17-S13 : Ten lepers asked Jesus for mercy.
1. Our sentence adds a miracle which goes through C17-S20. Ten were healed but only one was saved. He was saved because he had the right attitude of true Biblical faith. The other nine had the right religious credentials but were not saved because of their lack of true Biblical faith.
2. The phrase And as he entered into a certain village means: 'Jesus was where there were few people but the exact place in not important enough to be named'.
3. The phrase there met him ten men that were lepers means: 'These men had a contagious disease and were required, by law, to act in a way which prevents the spread of the disease'. Many today claim that such laws 'are not fair' and insist their personal desires are more important than the health and lives of many others.
4. The phrase which stood afar off means: 'They obeyed the law'.
5. The phrase And they lifted up their voices, and said means: 'They asked for help'.
6. The phrase Jesus, Master, have mercy on us means: 'Notice that they called Jesus Master and not Lord'. They regarded Him as a religious teacher but not God in human flesh.
C17-S14 : Jesus gave the mercy.
1. The phrase And when he saw them means: 'This is when Jesus acted'.
2. The phrase he said unto them means: 'This is what Jesus did'.
3. The phrase Go shew yourselves unto the priests means: 'Jesus commanded them to obey the Mosaic Law'.
C17-S15 : their request was met as soon as they obeyed.
1. The phrase And it came to pass, that means: 'This result was added after they obeyed in true faith'.
2. The phrase as they went means: 'They were already going to the priests before they realized that they were healed'.
3. The phrase they were cleansed means: 'They were healed'. Our sentence uses the word cleansed because this miracle was physical but it also signified an offer of spiritual cleansing. Unfortunately, just like today, the majority only looked at the physical and did not understand the spiritual offer.
C17-S16 : Who thanked and praised God.
1. Our sentence adds the reaction of the cleansed people after they realized what was done for them.
2. The phrase And one of them means: 'This is out of the ten who were healed'.
3. The phrase when he saw that he was healed means: 'This is when he reacted. This was after he had already started walking to the priests in faith and obedience'.
4. The phrase turned back means: 'He put he giving thanks at a higher priority than receiving assurance of his cleansing from the priests'.
5. The phrase and with a loud voice glorified God means: 'Notice that he did not glorify the man named Jesus but acknowledged that his true healing came from God'.
6. The phrase And fell down on his face at his feet means: 'He had to walk back to Jesus in order to do this. And, even though he glorified God, he also acknowledged that Jesus was above him by falling down on his face at his feet'.
7. The phrase giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan means: 'He was a half Jew which the Jews claimed could not get saved'.
C17-S17 : the response by Jesus.
1. The phrase And Jesus answering said means: 'This is the response by Jesus'.
2. The phrase Were there not ten cleansed? means: 'He is making a point to all of the listeners about the typical wrong response by the Jews'.
C17-S18 says: but where are the nine? the word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. Here, Jesus is pointing out the lack of a thankful heart in the Jews. This is one of the consequences of trusting in religion instead of having a personal relationship with God. Religion assures their believers that they have done all that God requires when they do their religious activities. Therefore, religious people do not see a need to be thankful. However, this Samaritan was not given the false assurance from the Jewish religious leaders. Therefore, he recognized his personal responsibility to be thankful.
C17-S19 says: There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. Jesus is making sure that the listeners understand the difference and that the Jewish religion failed to teach Jews to have a proper attitude towards God. And, since This stranger did have a proper attitude, it did not need to be taught. No, instead religion teaches people to replace a right natural attitude with a wrong attitude towards God.
C17-S20 : the one who was truly thankful was saved in addition to being healed.
1. Our sentence adds what Jesus said to the Samaritan.
2. The phrase And he said unto him means: 'Jesus said this sentence to the Samaritan'.
3. The phrase Arise, go thy way means: 'He still had to report to the priests but he had taken care of the most important thing first'.
4. The phrase thy faith hath made thee whole means: 'He was saved. None of the others were personally made whole'.
C17-S21 : the start of the next incident. Please note. This entire answer is critical to understanding the true meaning of kingdom of God. The religious Jews thought that kingdom of God was the 1,000 years reign of Christ. Others think that it is the same as the kingdom of Heaven. But it is neither and the true believer needs to understand what is being taught here in order to understand the true Biblical meaning of the kingdom of God.
1. The phrase And when he was demanded of the Pharisees means: 'Notice that the religious people believe that they can make demands of God'. OK, they didn't believe that they were dealing with 'God in human flesh'. But they knew that Jesus was at least a prophet of God and that He had answers which they could not produce. That alone should have shown them that they needed to show proper respect. However, their pride told them that they were above other men and could refuse to show proper respect.
2. The phrase when the kingdom of God should come means: 'They were waiting for God to manifest what they believed that The kingdom of God was. They did not question if their belief was right or wrong'. They simply demanded that Jesus tell them when it would happen. They believed that they would be rulers in the kingdom, which meant that they would be rulers of the world. They also believed that they would have greater personal power than other men, which meant that they would also have the power to do miracles. However, they didn't want to do miracles to serve God but wanted the power to satisfy their lusts of the flesh.
3. The phrase he answered them and said means: 'Jesus gave this answer'.
4. The phrase The kingdom of God cometh not with observation means: 'You can not see The kingdom of God like you will be able to see the changes in this world due to the 1,000 years reign of Christ (Romans 8:19 '.
5. The phrase Neither shall they say, Lo here! means: 'The kingdom of God is not something physical like a building'.
C17-S22 says: or, lo there! the kingdom of God is not something physical like a building./
C17-S23 : Where the kingdom of God truly is.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true.
2. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
3. The phrase for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you means: 'This is probably the most critical part of the true definition of the kingdom of God. It is God's character in you'. It is not something outtside of you.
C17-S24 : Jesus added instructions to His disciples.
1. Our sentence adds a warning to the disciples.
2. from this sentence through the end of the chapter we have prophecies of several different events. If the reader is not careful, they can confuse what event each sentence is speaking about. Please see the section on Prophecies within the Significant Gospel Events for those references.
3. The phrase And he said unto the disciples means: 'Jesus gave these prophecies to His disciples but they are intended for all saved who can understand them'.
4. The phrase The days will come means: 'This tells us that Jesus is starting to prophesy'.
5. The phrase when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man means: 'They will wish for a return to the days of the Gospel accounts which happened before the crucifixion'. After the crucifixion, Jesus was using His role of Lord Jesus and no longer fulfilling the role of The Son of man.
6. The phrase and ye shall not see it means: 'There will be no returning to the days before the crucifixion'.
C17-S25 : the warning against false prophets.
1. The phrase And they shall say to you means: 'False prophets are going to tell people to do wrong things'.
2. The phrase See here; or, see there means: 'They are going to tell people to look at scripture which they take out of context'. This is the method that Satan used to tempt Jesus.
3. The phrase go not after them, nor follow them means: 'This is our clear command on how to deal with false prophets'.
C17-S26 : tells us that the 'Rapture' and the return of Christ will happen as the lightning.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true. The people who are following false prophets, at either of these times, will face judgment by God for doing so.
2. The phrase For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven means: 'This is our illustration'. Lightening appears suddenly but can last for several seconds.
3. The phrase shineth unto the other part under heaven means: 'Lightening can be seen from a far distance'. There is no denying that it was there because there are too many witnesses to it.
4. The phrase so shall also the Son of man be in his day means: 'The same things will be true about the 'Rapture' and the return of Christ'.
C17-S27 : What must happen to Jesus Christ first.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. This sentence continues prophecy while turning to a different prophesied event.
2. The phrase But first must he suffer manythings means: 'Jesus Christ had to suffer physically, spiritually and in His soul for our sins'.
3. The phrase and be rejected of this generation means: 'The Jews would reject Jesus Christ as their King. Therefore, the offer of the kingdom would be removed and they would suffer the judgment of God for many generations'.
C17-S28 : the second example.
1. The phrase And as it was in the days of Noe means: 'We are told that Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2Peter 2:6) but only his immediate family was saved. It is believed that he preached for one hundred years while building the Ark, but no one believed. They regarded him as a fool because no one had ever seen rain before the flood'.
2. The phrase so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man means: 'People will mock true preachers in the days before the 'Rapture' and the return of Christ'.
C17-S29 : What they did and the results they received.
1. The phrase They did eat, they drank means: 'They partied and concentrated on the pleasures of food'.
2. The phrase they married wives, they were given in marriage means: 'They concentrated on the lusts of sex'.
3. The phrase until the day that Noe entered into the ark means: 'God left the door of the Ark open for seven days before closing it and bringing the flood'.
4. The phrase and the flood came, and destroyed them all means: 'Once God removes the time of repentance, all that is left is the judgment of God'. Some people may have lived for a few days after the rain started but only those in the Ark lived through all of the judgment of God.
C17-S30 : A third example.
1. The phrase Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot means: 'The word likewise means that there were similarities even while the exact details were different. We can not rely on minor differences to prevent the judgment of God'.
2. The phrase they did eat, they drank means: 'They were also enjoying the pleasures of food'.
3. The phrase they bought, they sold means: 'They were taking care of business'.
4. The phrase they planted, they builded means: 'They were doing physical labor'.
5. The phrase But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven means: 'When God brought judgment, the people were surprised'.
6. The phrase and destroyed them all means: 'No one avoided the judgment of God'.
C17-S31 says: Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. The people's attitudes and actions will match the examples at the time of the return of Christ to rule the Earth.
C17-S32 : A warning to the Jews.
1. Our sentence adds a prophecy for the Jews. The church will be in heaven and anyone who rejected salvation will have a great delusion.
2. The phrase In that day means: 'When the Jews see the sign that Christ will return soon'.
3. The phrase he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away means: 'Don't delay for anything, just run to safety of the mountains'.
4. The phrase and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back means: 'People in any other situation are to do the same'.
C17-S33 says: Remember Lot's wife. means: 'This is to be understood to be in context with the prior sentences. This command is for the Jews who are living through the great tribulation. She died because she looked back in regret of the physical things which she was losing. Jesus is telling them that nothing in this physical world is worth losing your life over'.
C17-S34 : the applicable precept. This sentence is the transition between two different prophecies and applies to all of the prophecies in this section as well as applying to all of the saved in all time.
1. The word Whosoever means: 'This precept is to be applied to everyone in all circumstances'.
2. The phrase shall seek to save his life shall lose it means: 'Anyone who tries to save what they have in this physical reality will lose the chance to return for the 1,000 years reign of Christ and live those years with a new and incorruptible body'.
3. The phrase and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it means: 'Anyone who willingly devotes this physical life to the service of God, and accepts any cost that God requires including physical death, will return for the 1,000 years reign of Christ and live those years with a new and incorruptible body'.
C17-S35 : Physical associations won't matter.
1. Our sentence, and the next two, give us prophecies about the 'Rapture'.
2. The phrase I tell you means: 'Jesus is giving this prophecy'.
3. The phrase in that night there shall be two men in one bed means: 'This is not speaking about sodomy, only close friends'.
4. The phrase The one shall be taken, and the other shall be left means: 'Human friendship won't matter. Only having God's indwelling Holy Spirit will matter in choosing who is 'Rapture'd'.
C17-S36 says: Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. This is a second illustration of the same way that God works. By giving us two illustrations, Jesus is letting us know that this truth is part of God's law and judgment.
C17-S37 says: Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. This is a third illustration of the same way that God works. By giving us three illustrations, Jesus is making sure that we understand that this truth is part of God's law and judgment.
C17-S38 says: And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? means: 'The disciples ask where this will happen'. Our next sentence, basically, lets us know that it will happen everywhere.
C17-S39 says: And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. Jesus answered: anywhere that the birds can eat the dead. Apparently, there will be so many suddenly dead bodies, as the saved leave their bodies behind, that some of the bodies will be eaten by birds and animals before they are gathered and disposed of.

Chapter 18 Summary:

The Attitudes of People Who Have the Kingdom of God.

Our chapter starts with instruction from Jesus on what to do right now in order to have the power, protection and provision of God in this life. Our chapter starts by adding this to the prior chapter where we were told about the return of Christ. (The note for the first sentence has more details). Those instructions told God's people that they were to have an attitude of constant prayer and dependence upon God, no matter how long it took God to answer their prayers.

Those instructions are followed by a parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. If the reader remembers, or checks, the prior chapter also had Jesus saying different things to these two groups. in this parable we learn that God's people are to have a humble attitude.

Next we have the disciples turning away people who brought children to be blessed by Jesus. Jesus responded with: Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. The prior chapter was dealing with the difference in actions between 'Those Who Have the Kingdom of God and those Who Do Not'. Now we are seeing the difference in attitude that God wants in 'Those People Who Have the Kingdom of God'.

Next we have the lesson about the rich young ruler who asked: Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?. This section ends with Him leaving lost because he was not willing to put himself into a position of total dependence upon God. However, we see that this is the attitude that God wants in His people.

After this, and as a result of what Jesus taught His disciples following that incident, we have the disciples asking Who then can be saved? because their religious training taught that God blessed those who depended upon themselves instead of depending on God. Thus, once more, we see the difference in attitude between religious traditions and what God wants in people who truly have The kingdom of God.

This led to a question of rewards and Jesus promising rewards in heaven. Thus, we see the required attitude of suffering loss in this present life in order to receive eternal spiritual rewards. This lesson is immediately followed be Jesus telling the disciples, once more, that He was going to suffer and die in this world, but would rise again. Remember that Hebrews 12:2 tells us: Looking unto Jesus the author and finished of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Thus, we see Jesus telling us that He is the example which we are to follow as we keep the attitudes which our chapter tells us about.

Our chapter ends with the account of blind Bartimaeus receiving his sight because he displayed an attitude of faith.

Thus, every part of our chapter is teaching us the attitudes that God wants displayed in the lives of people who truly have The kingdom of God in them ('God's character in us'). These are the attitudes which will separate God's people from the people of the world and give them the testimony that God wants them to have.

Matthew 19; Mark 10 and Luke 18 are all similar in that they tell accounts which compare the fruit of a truly saved person, who has a changed life, to the false hope in works of fleshly religion.

In Luke 18:1-8; we read the 'Parable of the Unjust Judge'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 18:9-14; we read the 'Parable of the Pharisee and Publican'. It is also found in the Table of Parables in the New Testament.

In Luke 18:15-17; Matthew 18:1-6; Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16 Jesus explained God's opinion about little children.

In Luke 18:18-27; Mark 10:17-27 and Luke 10:25-37 Jesus explained about inheriting eternal life.

In Luke 18:25-27 and Mark 10:23-28 Jesus explained about riches in this world.

The prior statement, by Jesus, led to Peter asking about our heavenly rewards which Jesus explained in Luke 18:28-30; Matthew 19:27-30 and Mark 10:28-31. The answer given, is similar to what we read in Luke 22:28-30 and Hebrews 11:24-26; although the details are different.

In Luke 18:31-34; Jesus went to Jerusalem for the final confrontation and prophesies what will happen while they are there. Matthew 20:17-19 and Mark 10:32-34 tell the same things. The reports in those other Gospel accounts happened on the same trip but may actually be different, but repeated, messages from Jesus to His disciples. This is also just before John 12 starts.

Jesus prophesies His own suffering and death in Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:21-22; Luke 18:32-33; John 3:14; John 8:28; John 10:11-19 and John 12:32. Please see the Prophecies Fulfilled Section of the Significant Gospel Events Study for more related Bible references.

In Luke 18:32 and Mark 10:34 we read that Jesus prophesied that the servants of the high priest would spit on Him. This was fulfilled in Matthew 26:67 and Mark 14:65. In Matthew 27:30 and Mark 15:16-20 we are told that the Roman soldiers did the same.

We read about Jesus healing two blind men (one named Bartimaeus) in Luke 18:35-43; Matthew 20:29-43 and Mark 10:46-52.

C18-S1 : Jesus encouraged His disciples to always pray.
1. Our sentence adds a parable to the prophecy of the prior chapter. Those prophecies told us three times that Jesus will come for God's people. With the promise of His coming, He adds how we are to live until then. And, this first parable tells us how to get God's power to live God's way until Jesus comes for us personally.
2. The phrase And he spake a parable unto them to this end means: 'This is why Jesus spoke this parable'.
3. The phrase that men ought always to pray, and not to faint means: 'This is the message of the parable'.
4. The phrase Saying, there was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man means: 'This is the first person of the parable and his character'.
5. The phrase And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary means: 'This is the second person of the parable and her need'.
C18-S2 : the reaction of the judge.
1. The phrase And he would not for a while means: 'There are times when God also makes us wait and God's people wonder why'. At least one reason why God does this is to prove our level of faith.
2. The phrase but afterward he said within himself means: 'The judged changed his mind'. God does not change His mind but waits until the time and circumstances are right to achieve all of God's purposes.
3. The phrase Though I fear not God, nor regard man means: 'This shows the attitude of the judge'. God also does not fear anyone and we can not change His mind.
4. The phrase Yet because this widow troubleth me means: 'The judge was concerned about his own convenience'. God is concerned with our good and with using us as His witnesses. Sometimes, we have to continue for what seems like a long time in order to prove to others that we truly do believe that God will answer our prayers in His time and His way.
5. The phrase I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me means: 'The judge decides to give her what she asks for'. God wants to give us good things but He also wants to use us for His witnesses. Therefore, sometimes God delays until people will see the truth in our life.
C18-S3 : the commandment of The Lord.
1. The phrase And the Lord said means: ''. . . .
2. The phrase Hear what the unjust judge saith means: 'This explanation comes through the role of Lord because it is dealing with law, judgment, and receiving grace. All of these come through God's role as Lord'.
C18-S4 : Reasoning based upon the character of God.
1. Our sentence adds the promise of God's blessings in spite of our ongoing sins.
2. The phrase And shall not God avenge his own elect means: 'If we truly know the character of God then we know that this sentence is true'.
3. The phrase which cry day and night unto him means: 'These are the people who get their prayers answered. If people can't be bothered to do this, how much do they really want that they pray for?'.
4. The phrase though he bear long with them? means: 'God answers prayers of His children in spite of their continual sin'. . . .
C18-S5 says: I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. This is the promise of Jesus. However, it does not mean 'right awaybut means: 'suddenly'.
C18-S6 : the doubt that men will continue to understand and obey.
1. The word Nevertheless means: ' in opposition to anything, or without regarding it'. Here, Jesus says that in spite of God's promises and God's reliability, most of God's children will lose true Biblical faith.
2. The phrase when the Son of man cometh means: 'This is a direct reference to the prophecies reported at the end of the prior chapter where we read about the 'Rapture', the return of Christ to rule and His coming for the child of God at their death. The people involved in each of these events are different. And, the circumstances of each event are different. However, the question of the next phrase is still applicable to each of those circumstances'.
3. The phrase shall he find faith on the earth? means: 'This question implies that most people who claim to be saved will not have true Biblical faith. However, this is something which needs to be in our personal life. Therefore, the true application of this sentence is: 'When Jesus comes for you personally, will He find you personally living by faith?''.
C18-S7 : the start of the 'Parable of the Pharisee and Publican'. Just before this parable Luke reported Jesus teaching about people claiming to be God's children but also not having true Biblical faith. And, in the prior chapter, we read about the visible evidence of the difference between true children of God and lost but religious fools. Therefore, we see that this parable matches the context of what came before it.
1. Our sentence tells us that Jesus added another parable for a different group of people.
2. The phrase And he spake this parable means: 'Jesus spake this to teach an unpopular truth'.
3. The phrase unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others means: 'This is the attitude of the people whom this parable was directed at'.
4. The phrase Two men went up into the temple to pray means: 'These two, apparently, intend to do the same thing'.
5. The phrase The one a Pharisee means: 'This person was considered to be the most Godly by the religious Jews'.
6. The phrase and the other a publican means: 'This person was considered to be the most ungodly by the religious Jews because he collected taxes for the hated Roman government'.
C18-S8 : how the Pharisee prayed.
1. The phrase The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself means: 'Prayer is supposed to be communication with God. However, our phrase says that he prayed thus with himself because God refuses to listen to prayers with this type of attitude. When we try to pray, we need to be sure that God is willing to hear what we pray'.
2. The phrase God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are means: 'The first few words are right but then he goes wrong. He is comparing himself to other men according to his own religious standard instead of comparing himself to God's law and God's standard. Also, he is claiming that God made him the way that he is but the truth is that his own fleshly lust formed him with the religious character that he displays. Someone who is truly formed by God has God's characteristics such as mercy and is not full of pride'.
3. The phrase extortioners, unjust, adulterers means: 'There were the worst type of sinners according to his own measurements'. However, God considers the religious people who teach doctrines from devils to be far worse than the people who do these sins.
4. The phrase or even as this publican means: 'He lumps the publican in with what he considers to be the worst types of sinners'. However, from what we read in the Bible, a Pharisee would not socialize with a publican. Therefore, he had no true basis for judging how sinful the life of the publican might have been.
C18-S9 : His religious activity.
1. Our sentence adds his prideful religious activity.
2. The phrase I fast twice in the week means: 'This is done out of habit, not out of a desire to get close to God'.
3. The phrase I give tithes of all that I possess means: 'Jesus clearly explained God's opinion of this claim in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42. They tithed their material things but omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith'.
C18-S10 : how the publican prayed.
1. The phrase And the publican means: 'This identifies the other man'.
2. The phrase standing afar off means: 'Jesus accused the Pharisees of praying loudly and where many men could see them. This man displayed the opposite attitude. He was in the Temple to meet God, like he was taught. But, he was not where most other men would pay attention to him'.
3. The phrase would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven means: 'He displayed a humble attitude'.
4. The phrase but smote upon his breast, saying means: 'His actions while praying also displayed a humble and sin guilty attitude'. He admitted the truth about himself while the Pharisee lied about his true spiritual condition.
5. The phrase God be merciful to me a sinner means: 'This was a true and sincere prayer'.
C18-S11 : the conclusion from Jesus.
1. The phrase I tell you means: 'Jesus is declaring a truth from God'.
2. The phrase This man went down to his house justified rather than the other means: 'The publican had his sin record cleared in Heaven while the so-called prayer of the Pharisee was not even heard in heaven'.
3. The phrase for means: 'This is why. The next two phrases give us principals which God always enforces'.
4. The phrase every one that exalteth himself shall be abased means: 'The person who exalteth himself proves that he is full of pride. Satan was cast from Heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). And, since God does not change, God will not let pride enter Heaven'.
5. The phrase and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted means: 'These are the type of people who will have glory in Heaven'.
C18-S12 : the incident with infants.
1. The phrase And they brought unto him also infants means: 'This is what the people did'. . . .
2. The phrase that he would touch them means: 'They hoped that the touch of Jesus would spiritually protect their infant'. This is an act of true faith by the parents.
3. The phrase but when his disciples saw it means: 'This is who reacted'.
4. The phrase they rebuked them means: 'They did not first check with Jesus and ended up doing wrong'.
C18-S13 : How Jesus reacted.
1. The word But 'continues the subject of the prior sentence while changing directions'. Jesus corrected the wrong behavior of His disciples.
2. The phrase But Jesus called them unto him, and said means: 'Jesus told them what was the correct behavior without rebuking them'.
3. The phrase Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not means: 'This is what they, and we, are to do'.
4. The phrase for of such is the kingdom of God means: 'Here's why. The next sentence explains more'.
C18-S14 : the precept backing the prior statement.
1. The phrase Verily I say unto you means: 'Jesus has verified this truth and you also need to verify it'.
2. The phrase Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child means: 'Children believe what their parents tell them. Children do what their parents tell them to do. Children are completely dependent upon their parents. Children love their parents because their parents provide for them and protect them'.
3. The phrase shall in no wise enter therein means: 'Unless we have the same attitudes towards God, we will not receive the character of God'.
C18-S15 : the question from the rich young ruler. This incident is also reported in other Gospel accounts with slightly different details which do not constitute a conflict. Please see the Detail Note, or see above, for the other references and detailed comparison of the reports.
1. The phrase And a certain ruler asked him, saying means: 'This man was assured by the Jewish religious rulers that he would also be a ruler in Heaven if he obeyed their religious rules. Apparently, he was checking with Jesus to make sure that he covered every possibility and did not rely on someone who led him wrong'.
2. The phrase Good Master means: 'He thought of Jesus as a teacher (Master) but not as God in human flesh. That is why he was willing to walk away lost and believe the religious leaders who disagreed with Jesus'.
3. The phrase what shall I do to inherit eternal life? means: 'This is the most important question of life. Unfortunately, like most people throughout history, he thought he must do in order to inherit eternal life ' instead of accept an ongoing personal relationship with God and have true Biblical faith that God will do what is required.
C18-S16 says: And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good?. Jesus asked him a question that he probably did not expect. This caused him to think a different way than he was prepared for. He probably was prepared for typical religious responses, but Jesus did not respond that way. This is our example of how to get someone to think who is all prepared for an argument. That is, make them answer a question that they are not prepared for.
C18-S17 says: none is good, save one, that is, God. Here, Jesus prevents him from giving a wrong answer and prevents him from changing the subject. He surely was not expecting Jesus to add this statement. Now, his answer to the prior question must include consideration of this truth.
C18-S18 : Jesus tells him what to do.
1. Our sentence adds what The word of God commands. Notice that he does not answer the prior question nor does he respond to the prior sentence but makes a claim, in the next sentence, which shows that he has not truly thought about what he believes. Like many people, he has deceived himself. Jesus would have realized this from how he worded his first question. Jesus planted the prior question and sentence so that he would, hopefully, think about them after he walked away. If he does, then that can lead him to realize that he has been deceived about eternity and, then, lead him to seek the truth.
2. The phrase Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. means: 'These are all part of the Ten Commandments'. The Detailed Note explains how people disobey these commandments even while they think that they obey them.
C18-S19 says: And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. This is the answer from the rich young ruler. As already mentioned, people do not do all which is required by God in these commandments. In particular, while they may keep what they believe is required in the physical reality, foe people know the spiritual requirements much less consider those requirements and their failure to keep them. Please see the section called Jesus and the Ten Commandments for links to where Jesus explains what is actually required by God.
C18-S20 : Jesus uses an indirect way to tell him that his attitude is wrong. This is what I personally have done because I understood the true lesson of this incident.
1. The phrase Now when Jesus heard these things means: 'After Jesus heard his answer and understood what he believed'.
2. The phrase he said unto him means: 'Jesus told him what he needed to do'.
3. The phrase Yet lackest thou one thing means: 'You don't have what is required to inherit eternal life and go to Heaven'.
4. The phrase sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven means: 'You are concentrating on having riches in this world. They are preventing you from having eternal riches because you have the wrong priorities in life. You will leave everything behind when you die. Therefore, the things of this physical reality are not worth spending your life on getting. Get rid of the distractions of this physical life and you can concentrate on getting everlasting riches'.
5. The phrase and come, follow me means: 'This is how we truly receive everlasting riches'.
C18-S21 : the reaction from the rich young ruler.
1. The phrase And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful means: 'He very sorrowful because he understood that he had to give up his physical riches or he could not inherit eternal life. He could not have both'. Unfortunately, many people believe the lie that they can spend their life pursuing physical things, such as riches, and still inherit eternal life and be rich in Heaven. That is a lie from a devil.
2. The phrase for he was very rich means: 'This is why he was very sorrowful'.
C18-S22 : Jesus explains his problem.
1. The phrase And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful means: 'This statement is a result of the man not being willing to give up temporal physical riches in order to receive everlasting spiritual riches'.
2. The phrase he said means: 'Jesus said this'.
3. The phrase How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! means: 'People who have physical riches tend to depend on those riches instead of learning to have true Biblical faith in God. And, without true Biblical faith, we can not receive the character of God, which is The kingdom of God'.
C18-S23 : Why he has this problem.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true.
2. The phrase For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye is explained in the Detailed Note for this sentence.
3. The phrase than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God means: 'We must keep the phrase how hardly, from the prior sentence, in context to understand this sentence and phrase. Thus, we see that it is very difficult but not impossible'.
C18-S24 says: And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?.
1. This is the direct opposite of the religious traditions taught by the Jewish religious leaders. They claimed that physical riches indicated blessings from God and physical poverty showed a curse from God. And, based upon that claim, they taught that the rich would have the best blessings and positions in Heaven and the poor would probably go the Hell. Therefore, with Jesus basically saying that this rich ruler was not going to Heaven, the people reacted like we see in this sentence.
2. This is a good example of how Satan deceives people. He takes a truth, twists it a little, and claims a lie. Jewish leaders like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David Solomon and others were rich and were blessed by God. They were not blessed by God because they were rich but were rich because they were blessed by God. And not everyone who were blessed by God became rich. Consider the prophets and the people listed in Hebrews 11. The people who are blessed by God obey God regardless of their physical circumstances. Devils have religious people draw false conclusions based upon partial information. That hide the data that would prove their conclusion wrong. Then, people are deceived because they believe what they are told without bothering to research and verify the religious claim.
C18-S25 : Jesus answers their question.
1. The phrase And he said means: 'Jesus said this'.
2. The phrase The things which are impossible with men are possible with God means: 'Just trust God and don't worry about what men claim is impossible'.
C18-S26 : Peter asks about rewards for following Jesus.
1. The phrase Then Peter said means: 'Peter said this after Jesus said the prior sentence. This sentence is a direct response to the prior sentence'.
2. The phrase Lo means: 'Look; see; behold; observe. this word is used to excite particular attention in a hearer to some object of sight, or subject of discourse'. This was not a casual statement but Peter was making sure that everyone understood that it was very important that they had the true answer to this concern.
3. The phrase we have left all, and followed thee means: 'They had left all that they had in this physical world in order to follow Jesus. Since Jesus just said that what they had been taught about everlasting rewards was wrong, they needed some assurance that they would still receive everlasting rewards. Jesus was not upset with the request for assurance and He gives that assurance in the next sentence'.
C18-S27 : the assurance from Jesus.
1. The phrase And he said unto them means: 'Jesus said this to His disciples'.
2. The phrase Verily I say unto you means: 'This has been verified and is as reliable as any law from God'.
3. The phrase There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children means: 'These are examples of the types of sacrifices that God sometimes demands from His children'.
4. The phrase for the kingdom of God's sake means: 'This is why. Any other reason does not qualify for receiving this promise from God'.
5. The phrase Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time means: 'Those who qualify according to the prior phrases will receive rewards worth much more than what they gave up. And, that will be in this world'.
6. The phrase and in the world to come life everlasting means: 'We are assured of our salvation but this phrase is actually assuring us of a higher quality of life everlasting'.
C18-S28 : Jesus tells the twelve privately that they go to fulfill scripture.
1. The word Then means: 'after what was reported in the prior sentences'. Jesus just finished telling them about everlasting rewards and that they would have to give up things of this physical reality in order to receive them. Based upon that understanding, He is going to repeat His prophecy of Him giving up His own physical life in order to receive everlasting rewards. He is the example which we are to follow.
2. The phrase Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them means: 'Jesus says the following sentence after they understood what he said in the prior sentences'.
3. The word behold means: 'Pay close attention'.
4. The phrase we go up to Jerusalem means: 'They probably knew this fact. However, they probably thought that they were going for the religious festival and for nothing more. Jesus had prophesied what would happen in their past, but they were in denial and refused to believe His prophesy'.
5. The phrase and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished means: 'Jesus was going to fulfill all of the prophesy. However, they did not know nor understand all of the prophesy. Therefore, they thought He was going to fulfill the prophecies which they knew and believed. But, because they were in denial, they didn't even consider the prophecies which they did not want to believe'.
C18-S29 : Jesus repeats the prophecy of His torture and death.
1. Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true.
2. The phrase For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles means: 'The he is Jesus speaking about Himself in the third-person. He would be delivered unto the Gentiles (Roman government) to be crucified because it was not legal for the Jews to kill anyone'.
3. The phrase and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on means: 'This is psychological abuse'.
4. The phrase And they shall scourge him means: 'This is physical abuse'.
5. The phrase and put him to death means: 'This is clear but rejected and denied'.
6. The phrase and the third day he shall rise again means: 'This was not believed because the prior phrase was rejected and denied'. When we reject what we don't want to hear, we also miss out on the good news which follows the bad news.
C18-S30 : Ignorance and a closed mind prevent understanding.
1. The phrase And they understood none of these things means: 'Remember that Jesus had told them this prophecy before but they refused to believe the prophecy. Therefore, they could not understand'.
2. The phrase and this saying was hid from them means: 'When we reject a truth that God shows us, He, sometimes, removes our ability to understand the same truth if we hear it again later'. This is similar to God hardening someone's heart after they harden their own heart. When we make it clear to God that we reject what He tries to give us, God sometimes makes it impossible for us to ever receive that thing later.
3. The phrase neither knew they the things which were spoken means: 'With the change that god brought, they could not remember the truth. That way, they could not meditate on it and conclude the truth later'.
C18-S31 : the start of the last incident in this chapter. Remember that the theme of our chapter is: 'The Attitudes of People Who Have the Kingdom of God'. Our incident is about a man who received a miracle, in spite of people telling him to shut up, because he displayed the attitude that, in this chapter, Jesus tells us to have.
1. The phrase And it came to pass means: 'This is the start of the report of the next incident'.
2. The phrase that as he was come nigh unto Jericho means: 'This is when Jesus was approaching the city'. Another Gospel account indicates that the miracle happened as Jesus left. This is not a conflict but is a report which lets the carnal and lost to misunderstand while those who seek the help of God can understand the truth. We see God do the same thing with parables and the reports of some miracles. The next phrase, of our sentence, was true while Jesus was approaching the city and while He was leaving. The last phrase of our sentence, and what follows, happened as Jesus left the city. And, other places in the Bible, especially in prophecy, report things that happen at two different times in the same sentence. Therefore, this type of wording is not uncommon within The word of God. As Peter tells us, God does not deal with time like we do. Therefore, this is not a conflict, but is events of two different times reported in a single sentence.
3. The phrase a certain blind man sat by the way side begging means: 'He was begging because he was blind and could not earn a living any other way'. Many people beg because they are too sorry lazy to go to work. God curses that type of attitude while He does not curse someone like this blind man.
4. The phrase And hearing the multitude pass by means: 'He heard this as Jesus and others were leaving the city'.
5. The phrase he asked what it meant means: 'He tried to understand what was happening even though he was blind'. He was not lazy.
C18-S32 says: And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. Notice that the Blind man knew who He was and what His significance was. He paid enough attention to know what happened in the world around him.
C18-S33 : Blind Bartimaeus makes his request.
1. The phrase And he cried, saying means: 'He was loud enough to make sure that He was heard'.
2. The phrase Jesus means: 'He called to the name of the man so that was no question who he was calling to'.
3. The phrase thou Son of David means: 'This was a Jewish title for Christ. He knew that Son of David / Christ was God in human flesh and could give him a miracle. And, he used the word thou to make it clear that his faith was in Jesus personally and that he was making a personal request'.
4. The phrase have mercy on me means: 'He knew that he did not deserve the request but still was making it because it is God's nature to give mercy'.
C18-S34 : Blind Bartimaeus ignored the people.
1. Our sentence adds the reaction of the regular Jews.
2. The phrase And they which went before rebuked him means: 'They had no mercy, which means that they did not display the character of God'. This is a typical attitude for lost religious people. They were more concerned about what was socially acceptable than they were concerned about the souls of men.
3. The phrase that he should hold his peace means: 'This is what they commanded'. This is an attitude that their own momentary peace was more important than the eternal destiny of men and even more important than the obvious need of a blind beggar.
4. The phrase but he cried so much the more means: 'He understood the lesson at the start of the chapter, even though he probable was not there to hear Jesus preach it'.
5. The phrase Thou Son of David, have mercy on me means: 'See the notes for the prior sentence about these phrases'.
C18-S35 : Jesus responded.
1. The phrase And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him means: 'Jesus had waited until the people around him had revealed their own attitudes and then He responded to the request'. God does this. There are times when we might feel like God isn't listening but we need to understand that God is waiting until it is the right time for everyone involved. in this case, it was after they revealed the type of heart each had.
2. The phrase and when he was come near means: 'This is when Jesus spoke directly to the blind man'. One of the other accounts tells us that he threw away his beggar clothes before he came which shows his true faith that Jesus would heal him.
3. The phrase he asked him, Saying means: 'Jesus asked the next phrase'.
4. The phrase What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? means: 'Often, God wants us to publically tell our request before God acts and that is a testimony of God answering prayer and also a testimony of our faith'.
C18-S36 Blind Bartimaeus made his request.
1. The phrase And he said, Lord means: 'Notice that the blind beggar called him Lord. This shows a commitment to obey after receiving his request'. Most people want God to do something for them, but they are not willing to obey and God has no reason to grant their request.
2. The phrase that I may receive my sight means: 'This was his request, very simple and very clear'.
C18-S37 : Jesus did more than requested.
1. The phrase And Jesus said unto him means: 'He received this answer from God in human flesh'.
2. The phrase Receive thy sight means: 'Jesus healed him as requested'. Notice that we are only told that Jesus spoke and did not do anything else physical. True healing only requires the power of God.
3. The phrase thy faith hath saved thee means: 'In addition, Jesus saved him eternally'. As we have seen elsewhere, Jesus healed some people that He did not save. We have also seen that Jesus saved people who truly proved their faith.
C18-S38 : Blind Bartimaeus responded properly.
1. The phrase And immediately he received his sight means: 'Luke reports the physical result'.
2. The phrase and followed him, glorifying God means: 'The blind man responded properly'. in this Gospel account, and other places in the Bible, we have read about people not responding properly. Not only did he glorify God, but he kept it up while he walked and followed Jesus. When God gives us a miracle, we are to testify to others and keep it up every chance that we get.
3. The phrase and all the people, when they saw it means: 'Not only did the blind man glorify God, but this led to all of the others giving praise to God. When we can, we are to lead others into praise of God'.
4. The phrase gave praise unto God means: 'This is how others joined in with the blind man'.

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