Winnipeg Bible Students

Twice a week we come together to discuss a portion of the scriptures. Join us as we explore God’s word.

  • Luke 18:31-34

    February 1, 2026

    Luke 18:31-34 ESV

    And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

    Discussion Questions:

    1)  Jesus has already foretold his death twice before (Luke 9:21-23; 9:43-45).  Why does he tell the apostles again at this point in his ministry?

    2)  What were the prophetic sayings?

    ·       “delivered unto the Gentiles”

    ·       “mocked and spitefully treated”

    ·       “spitted upon”

    ·       “scourged”

    ·       “put to death”

    ·       “the third day he shall rise again”

    3)  In verse 34 Luke tells us in three different ways that the apostles did not understand.  Why is this such an important point?

    Discussion Summary:

    In Luke 18:28-30 the apostles were praised for their actions, but Jesus knew that they were still going to be tested as to their faithfulness to him.  Jesus’ betrayal and death would cause all of his disciples to forsake him in one way or another (Matthew 16:56).  He is foretelling these events for the third time to encourage, strengthen and warn them.  All of us use repetition to emphasize something of importance.  Jesus wanted this message to “sink into your ears” (Luke 9:44).  We know that after these things were accomplished, they remembered these words (John 2:22) and it was a further confirmation of his care for them (Hosea 6:1-3).

    These words also pointed back to prophecies from the Old Testament, confirming that all these things were supposed to happen and that God’s words are true.

    ·       “delivered unto the Gentiles” – “For dogs have compassed me:  The assembly of the wicked have enclosed me:  They pierced my hands and my feet.”  Psalm 22:16

    ·       “mocked and spitefully treated” – “All they that see me laugh me to scorn:  They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, ‘He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him.’” Psalm 22:7

    ·       “spitted upon” – “I did not hide my face from scorn and spitting.” Isaiah 50:6

    ·       “scourged” – “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

    ·       “put to death” – “He was cut off from the land of the living.” – Isaiah 53:8

    ·       “the third day he shall rise again” – “And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” – Jonah 1:17-2:1-10, Matthew 12:40

    Even though the apostles had been told multiple times that these events would occur, they could not understand, the matter was concealed from them, they did not recognize it.  On their part this was because their hearts were not yet fully cleansed and they did not yet have the Holy Spirit enlightening their minds (John 16:12,13).  On God’s part, this secrecy was all part of his plan.  Nothing would be allowed to hinder all these things befalling Jesus in line with prophecy (Matthew 16:20-23).

  • 2 Corinthians 5

    January 28, 2026

    2 Corinthians 5 ESV

    For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,  for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.  From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

    Discussion Questions:

    In chapter 5 Paul continues to describe how his present sufferings are able to be endured because of the glory that is to follow.  Paul uses a series of word pictures to describe this process.

    1)  In verses 1-10 what does Paul mean by: “tent”, “building from God”, “naked”, “unclothed”, “clothed”?

    2)  In verses 11 to 21 Paul returns to the topic of how his ministry differs from other “apostles” in Corinth.  How is his ministry different and what is the Gospel message that he preaches?

    Discussion Summary:

    Verses 1-10:  In comparing a “tent” and a “building in heaven,” Paul is comparing the earthly temporary life with the eternal permanent life as a spirit being (John 14:2,3).  This reminds us how the Israelites first worshiped in the tabernacle which was a tent that moved with them as they wandered through the wilderness.  Later King Solomon built a stone temple which was called the house of God. 

    At the present time while in our fleshly body, once we believe, we become a “new creature” (verse 17).  We understand this as the spirit begetting of our will to no longer follow our interests, but the Lord’s.  This new will develops and upon the death of our bodies will be born on the spirit plane of existence in a spirit, heavenly body (1 Corinthians 15:38).

    To be “naked” or “unclothed” refers to the condition of “sleep” that believers enter upon death until the return of Jesus.  They are waiting their resurrection change.

    Verses 11-21:  In verse 13, Paul is contrasting his ministry with the ministry of the other teachers in Corinth.  The other teachers were emphasizing the gifts of the spirit (particularly speaking in tongues).  While Paul did have the gifts of the spirit, the majority of his preaching was through discourse, explaining the salvation of Christ and what it brought to believers (1 Corinthians 14:2, 19).

    Paul’s preaching was doing the work of Christ in the heart of believers.  Jesus said in Luke 7:35, “Wisdom is justified in her children.”  This means that the way you know which is method is correct is by the results.  Paul’s preaching, which we still read today, has been proven correct.

  • Luke 18:24-30

    January 25, 2026

    Luke 18:24-30 ESV

    Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”  But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”  And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.

    Discussion Questions:

    1)  What is Jesus saying in verses 24 to 27?

    2)  What is the relationship between the “leaving” of verse 29 and the “receiving” of verse 30?

    Discussion Summary:

    Question 1:  To illustrate the hinderance that wealth is to a Christian, Jesus uses the example of a camel unable to go through the eye of a needle.   This has been understood in various ways. 

    • “Eye of the needle” as the name of a small gate in the wall of a city.  In order for the camel to enter, all of its baggage must be removed.
    • The Greek word kamilos (rope) was incorrectly copied as kamelos (camel).
    • In an exaggerated sense, this example uses the biggest living thing known to the audience – a camel, and the smallest opening known to the audience – the eye of a sewing needle.

    No matter how you understand this word picture, the lesson is the same:  It is impossible for the camel to go through the eye without something changing.  In this account the rich young ruler had gone as far towards God as his human abilities could take him.  He was outwardly in harmony with God.  But to progress further he needed to change on the inside.  This change would be impossible without God’s spirit transforming his thinking from the human to the spiritual.

    This change of perspective is shown in Revelation 3:17 where the believer sees himself as rich and in need of nothing, but in God’s eyes is wretched, pitable, blind and naked.  By seeking first the Kingdom of God this change begins (Matthew 6:33).  In respect to wealth, the Christian learns to use his riches in the service of the kingdom and does not set his hopes and expectations on them (Psalm 62:10; 1 Timothy 6:6-10).

    Question 2:  Through this change of perspective, when we see things through God’s eyes, all of our earthly relationships (to people, to our possessions, to even ourselves) reorient themselves.  For instance when we seek to lose our life, we gain it (Matthew 16:24).  When we see those who do the will of God as children of God like we are, we gain a spiritual family (Luke 8:19-21).

    The rewards we receive in this present life are as a result of this change in perspective.  We value spiritual blessings above material blessings (James 1:7; Luke 11:11-13).

  • 2 Corinthians 4

    January 21, 2026

    2 Corinthians 4 ESV

    Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.  But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice[ cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,  knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.  For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

    Discussion Questions:

    1)  In verses 1-6 Paul continues using the word picture of Moses’ veil – this time to describe his ministry.  What is he telling the Corinthian brethren about his ministry?

    2)  In verses 7-18 Paul now compares his life experiences to his ministry.  What is he telling the Corinthian brethren about his life experiences?

    Discussion Summary:

    Verses 1-6:   Paul’s conversion was accompanied by a great light (Acts 9:3).  He was then given a ministry that is similar in that it is bringing a great light to others – the light of the gospel.  This is a ministry of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6), a ministry of the Spirit (3:8) and a ministry of righteousness (3:9), and it impelled Paul forward in service to others.

    Unlike the picture of Moses who spoke to the children of Israel while veiled, Paul used great plainness of speech.  He was bold in his presentation of the gospel.  This can be seen when he preaches to the Jews of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-6), which is described as “these men who have turned the world upside down.”  This can also be seen when he preaches to gentiles in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41), which is described as filling the city with confusion and rioting.

    Verses 7-18:  This ministry resulted in a life that was not easy, but was filled with suffering and reproach for Paul.  These afflictions striped away his old self (outer man) with its desires, ambitions and hopes and replaced these with spiritual growth and desires (inner man).  See Philippians 3:12-16.

    Paul’s life in this “ministry” could only be accomplished by the power of God.  If it was based on human strength and for a human reward in the present life, Paul would have quit.  What would be the point for someone to keep striving forward if the only result was suffering?  Paul emphasizes that he could only continue in this ministry and thrive while undergoing these experiences because of the power of the Holy Spirit in his life.  We must remember that all Christians are called to this same “ministry” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). 

  • Luke 18:18-23

    January 18, 2026

    Luke 18:18-23 ESV

    And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.

    Discussion Questions:

    1)  When we carefully read this passage, we find it surprising.  In response to the ruler’s question, we would expect Jesus to say “believe on me.”  Instead, he points to the Law and to the giving up of everything.  Why?  Does this apply to just this individual?

    2)  Jesus says to “sell all that you have and distribute to the poor.”  Everyone at the time understood this literally, why do we not take it literally?

    Discussion  Summary:

    Jesus’ answer to the rich young ruler’s question served as an investigation into his heart condition.  Only a humble heart can receive the kingdom (Luke 18:17).  Jesus first pointed to the law which was intended to bring the Jewish nation to the correct heart sentiment to recognize their Messiah (Galatians 3:24).  The ruler passed this test.  The next command to give away his goods for the poor was a test to see if he had understood the spirit of the law and not just the letter (Isaiah 58:1,2,7,8).  If the ruler was able to pass that test, he was then to “follow me.”  Unfortunately, the ruler did not pass this test.  His heart was not ready to turn from the earthly to the heavenly (Luke12:34).  In other words, the question about the law and the command to give up his wealth were a parenthesis to the answer follow me and all that it entailed (John 6:27-29).

    We note that all of the apostles had been given the simple command, “Follow me.”  They did not need the implications of that invitation to be spelled out as this ruler obviously did.  This was because their hearts were good ground that the seed of the gospel found root in.

    Jesus addressed this ruler on his own terms.  His questions were tailored to expose this man’s heart condition, but it has produced a great lesson that is necessary for all of his followers to understand.

    This command to give all of your wealth to the poor was taken literally after Pentecost as we read in Acts 2:42-47.  We read later in Acts 5:1-11 and in 6:1 that this communal arrangement was not without issue.  As we continue to read in the New Testament we realize that this arrangement was no longer kept as Christians have homes and wealth that are used for others (Acts 16:14-15; I Corinthians 16:1-4; Philemon 2:2).

    The brethren began to change their perspective on their wealth.  No longer was it required for them to dispose of it at the beginning of their conversion.  Instead it was a tool to be used throughout their life in the service of the Lord and the brethren (Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

  • 2 Corinthians 3

    January 14, 2026

    2 Corinthians 3 ESV

    Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?  You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.  And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.  Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.  Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?  For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.  Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.  For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.  Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.  But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.  Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.  But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

    Discussion Questions:

    In chapter 3 Paul uses two metaphors to describe his apostolic work.  We would like to explore each of these word pictures.

    1)  Letters (verses 1-6)

    What is the difference between written with ink or on stone and being written by the Spirit?

    2)  Moses’s Veil  (verses 7-18; Exodus 34:29-35)

    In what way did the Israelites have a veil and how and why do Christians not have a veil?

    Discussion Summary:

    1.  Letters:  Paul references letters of recommendation.  Many believe that he is referring to the “super apostles,” teachers who had come to Corinth and were opposing Paul’s teachings ( 2 Corinthians 11:15).  Paul is reminding the Corinthian brethren that he didn’t need to be introduced to them because he founded their ecclesia.  To him, they are written on his heart and their Christian lifestyle can be read by all (1 Corinthians 9:1).

    Paul also makes the difference between the tables of the law ( Exodus 31:18 and 32:6) and the new way of the spirit that writes on their hearts.  This is also referred to in Romans 7:6, “Serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”

    2.  Moses Veil (Exodus 34:29-35):  Paul uses this Old Testament picture in different ways to illustrate the new way of the Spirit. 

    • It explains his boldness as he doesn’t address them through a “veil” of insincerity.
    • The Jewish nation, still under the law, wears a “veil” of unbelief (Romans 11:25) and cannot see that Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and ended their obligation to their covenant (Colossians 2:14).
    • Those who allow the Holy Spirit to do a transforming work in their hearts (Romans 12:2) have removed the veil.
    • Jesus in his role as mediator during the earthly Kingdom will speak to all nations through a “veil” of earthly representatives (Luke 13:28).

    We also discussed what covenant Christians are developed under as some see in this passage proof that Christians are under the New Covenant of Jeremiah 31:34-36.  In 2 Corinthians 3 they believe it refers to Christians receiving the removal of sin and their heart of stone is removed and they are given a heart of flesh.  See also Hebrews 8-10.

    Others believe that Christians are developed under the Grace Covenant (Galatians 3:15-29).  In this passage they see through the concept of “ministers of the covenant” the thought that Christians are developed now in order to serve as priests when the New Covenant is established first with the nation of Israel and then all the nations.

  • Luke 18:15-17

    January 11, 2026

    Luke 18:15–17 ESV

    Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

    Discussion Questions:

    1)  Let’s look first at the incident itself.  In our culture we do not bring our children to people to be blessed or touched. 

    • What was Jesus doing to the children and why?
    • What does it tell us about the disciples that they rebuked them?

    2)  What are the lessons that we are to draw from this incident?

    Discussion Summary:

    In the Old Testament we often see older parents blessing their children and grandchildren (for example Genesis 48,49).  But here we see a stranger, Jesus, blessing and engaging with children.  Perhaps this is in fulfillment of Zechariah 10:6-8.  More importantly it is illustrating the proper condition of heart needed to believe in Jesus and to believe in the Kingdom and to conform to the conditions of the kingdom.  We see that Jesus himself modeled this relationship with the Heavenly Father when he addressed him as a child would in Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father.”

    The disciples were unappreciative of this fundamental quality.  They still did not see the necessity of full trust and teachableness that these children possessed.  This was the wrong spirit that was also seen in the religious rulers of the day who Jesus said, “You did not enter yourselves and you hindered those who were entering” (Luke 11:52).

    This child-like attitude of a meek and quiet spirit is necessary for Christians (1 Peter 3:4).  God reveals the deep things to babes (Matthew 11:25-27).  Christians are often referred to as “little children” (Galatians 4:19).

    In verse 17 it states that one can receive the Kingdom, but if it is with the wrong heart attitude that person will not actually enter in.  Throughout history we see how utopian ideals in the wrong hands often result in the worst injustices.

  • 2 Corinthians 2

    January 7, 2026

    2 Corinthians 2 ESV

    For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.  For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained?  And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.  For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.  Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you.  For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.  So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.  For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

    Discussion Questions:

    In chapter 2 the Apostle Paul continues to explain to the Corinthian brethren why he did not visit them. 

    1)  The Church Trial in Corinth. 

    Verses 1 – 11:  How did Paul handle this situation and was not visiting the right decision?

    2)  Waiting for Titus

    Verses 12-13:  Paul was waiting for a report from Titus on the Corinthian brethren.  How do verses 12 and 13 show Paul’s concern for the Corinthian brethren?

    3)    Paul’s Sufferings Associated with his Ministry

     Verses 14-17:  How did Paul’s sufferings reveal his heart motivation in his dealings with the Corinthian brethren.

    Discussion Summary:

    Verses 1-11:  We are informed in 1 Corinthians 5 that a brother attending the ecclesia had committed an immoral act with his father’s wife.  Paul had commanded the brethren to deal with the situation by disfellowshipping the brother (removing him from the privileges of the ecclesia).  Paul had to follow up with a short visit to enforce this judgment.  He then left and waited to hear whether the brethren would deal with the situation.  In verse 9 he indicates that he hoped his persuasion was the deciding factor and not the pressure of his personal presence.  He did not want to be harsh and intimidating again.  He did not visit until he heard from Titus that the matter had been resolved.  He had confidence that the Holy Spirit would guide the brethren to act properly in the interest of the brother and the community.

    Verses 12,13:  Even though Paul was involved in a prospering ministry in Troas, he left the area to find Titus who was returning from Corinth.  Paul was worried that Titus was delayed because the situation in Corinth was unresolved.  This shows that Paul was not neglecting them, but that he cared for them as much as his other responsibilities.

    Verses 14-17:  Paul says that he was “on display” in verse 14.  The idea seems to be that Paul is likening himself to being part of a triumphal march by a conquering general where prisoners of war and captives would be paraded in chains.  Everywhere Paul went, he was vilified and persecuted for Christ.  He is telling the Corinthians that he does not look for their flattery and appreciation before he would visit.  Their reception of him would not be a deciding factor in whether he should visit.  His ministry is much greater than those considerations (Hebrews 13:12,13).

  • Luke 18:9-14

    January 4, 2026

    Luke 18:9-14 ESV

    He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’  But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

    Discussion Questions:

    Our object today is to try to see beyond the surface level so that we can extract the deeper lesson of this parable.

    1) Compare the lives of the Pharisee and the tax collector with their prayers.

    2)  What constitutes true abasement for the Pharisee, the tax collector and for ourselves?

    Discussion Summary:

    In this episode the lifestyle of one of the religious sects is highlighted.  The Pharisees were known for their outward holy lives, wholly devoted to the law.  What is revealed through his prayer is the particular temptation of pride that resulted from their conception of self-righteousness as compared to others.  Instead of recognizing in himself the need for mercy by entering in to the penitential prayer of the tax collector, he pointed out his personal sin “or even like this tax collector.”

    The tax collector on the other hand, had a job that was predatory in nature and brought harm to others.  The dislike of this class by the people did not allow him to indulge in the thought of self-righteousness as compared to others.  The tax collector in his prayer recognized and called for outside help and action.  “Be merciful!”  This is the same root word as the act of propitiation, the place where appeasement to God was made by sacrifice.

    Perhaps in this account there is a reference to Ezekiel 33:1-16.

    True abasement does not praise one’s self. (Proverbs 27:2; Matthew 6:2)

    True abasement is done by one’s self. (1 Peter 5:5)

    True abasement does not compare one’s self with others.  (1 Corinthians 4:7; Luke 17:10)

  • Luke 18:1-8

    December 14, 2025

    Luke 18:1-8 ESV

    And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”  And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

    Discussion Questions:

    1)  What does this parable teach us about prayer?

    2)  What does this parable teach us about the Lord’s return (verse 8)?

    Discussion Summary:

    As a commentary on the previous chapter (Luke 17), Jesus continues to show what level of faith will be needed to be part of those who are taken to a condition of safety at his return.  Believers need to have the same faith as the vulnerable widow in this parable. 

    She was persistent in her prayer life.

    • be constant – Romans 12:12
    • devote yourself – Colossians 4:12 

    She looked to the Judge (God) to take vengeance.

    • I will repays says God – Romans 12:19
    • how long, O Lord – Revelation 6:9-11

    She did not lose heart or become cowardly or faint.

    • you have need of endurance – Hebrews 10:36,37
    • the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise – 2 Peter 3:8,9

    Unlike the judge in this parable, God is just and will right the wrongs against his people.  God is always ready and willing to answer prayer (Psalm 34:15).