QT 27/04/2026 Mon. Luke 18 Humility, Persistence, and Kingdom Principles 谦卑、坚持与天国原则
QT 27/04/2026 Mon. Luke 18 Humility, Persistence, and Kingdom Principles
READ http://www.esv.org/luke18
What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? In Luke 18, Jesus shows us the power of humble faith, the importance of persistent prayer, and the need for complete surrender. Join me as we explore how these kingdom principles can transform our walk with Christ!"
In Luke 18, Jesus presents teachings that flip the world’s values upside down.
(1) The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
Jesus begins with a parable about a persistent widow who relentlessly pleads with an unjust judge to grant her justice. Although the judge has no compassion, he eventually gives in due to her persistence. Jesus uses this parable to teach His disciples about prayer and persistence in seeking God’s justice.
“And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7). Here, Jesus is assuring His followers that God, unlike the unjust judge, is both just and merciful. He will hear the cries of His people and answer in His perfect timing.
Application: This parable reminds us not to grow weary in prayer. Persistence in prayer is not about twisting God's arm, but about staying in constant, humble communication with the One who is able to bring justice and deliverance. When we face difficulty, God’s invitation is to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), knowing He is faithful and will respond. Am I persistent in prayer, especially in moments of discouragement or delay? Do I trust God’s perfect timing and His just nature?
(2) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
In this powerful parable, the Pharisee boasts about his good deeds, but the humble tax collector cries out for mercy. The Pharisee’s prayer is filled with pride and comparison, while the tax collector’s prayer is marked by humility and repentance: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13).
Jesus concludes with a stunning statement: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). This parable exposes the danger of pride and self-reliance, while highlighting the blessedness of humility and brokenness before God.
Application: We live in a culture that often exalts self-promotion, but Jesus turns this worldly wisdom upside down. True righteousness isn’t about comparing ourselves to others or our own achievements, but about recognizing our need for God’s mercy. Humility before God is the key to being exalted in His kingdom. In my relationship with God, am I more like the Pharisee, relying on my own efforts, or like the tax collector, humbly acknowledging my need for God’s mercy? How can I cultivate a heart of true humility?
(3) Jesus Blesses the Children (Luke 18:15-17)
When people bring children to Jesus, His disciples try to stop them, but Jesus rebukes them, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16). Jesus is teaching that childlike faith—marked by simplicity, trust, and dependence—is the model for entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ words challenge us to leave behind our self-sufficiency and embrace the humble trust of a child. Children don’t rely on their own strength or wisdom; they trust fully in their parents' care. Similarly, we are called to trust God fully, not relying on our own accomplishments or understanding.
Application: The kingdom of God isn’t about achievements or status, but about relying completely on God with simple, trusting faith. To enter the kingdom, we must become like children—humble, dependent, and trusting in the Father’s love and provision. Do I come to God with childlike faith, trusting Him completely? How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God’s goodness and provision?
(4) The Rich Ruler: A Hard Lesson on Surrender (Luke 18:18-30)
The rich ruler approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus tells him to sell everything and follow Him, the ruler’s face falls, for he is unwilling to part with his wealth. Jesus responds that “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” (Luke 18:25).
This story teaches us that attachment to worldly wealth can become a barrier to entering God’s kingdom. The rich ruler’s love for his possessions more than God. Jesus isn’t condemning wealth in itself, but He warns against allowing anything—whether wealth, power, or comfort—to take the place of complete surrender to God.
Application: This passage challenges us to examine our priorities. Is there anything in our life that we are holding onto more tightly than our relationship with God? The kingdom of God requires radical surrender—being willing to lay down everything to follow Jesus, trusting that what He offers is far greater than anything we can possess on this earth. Is there anything in my life that I am unwilling to surrender to God? How can I live more fully in surrender, trusting in God’s provision and eternal promises?
(5) Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection (Luke 18:31-34)
Jesus’ followers are still unaware of what lies ahead, but Jesus knows that His path leads to suffering, death, and resurrection. He takes the twelve aside and tells them that everything written about the Son of Man will be accomplished. They do not understand, but Jesus is preparing them for the difficult road ahead.
The cross is central in God’s plan for redemption. Jesus is fully aware of the suffering He will endure, yet He walks willingly toward it, because it is through His sacrifice that salvation will come to the world.
Application: Jesus' foretelling of His death reminds us that the Christian life is a call to suffering and sacrifice in the footsteps of Jesus. As we follow Christ, we are not promised ease or comfort, but the promise of eternal life through His resurrection. Am I ready to follow Jesus, even in the midst of suffering and challenges? How can I better embrace the call to carry my cross and trust in the hope of resurrection?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the lessons You’ve taught us in Luke 18. Help me to be persistent in prayer, to live with humility, and to trust in Your goodness like a child. Show me where I need to surrender and lay down anything that competes with my full devotion to You. Thank You for the cross, and give me the strength to follow You, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
QT 27/04/2026 星期一. 路加福音 18 谦卑、坚持与天国原则
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/luk/18/
真正跟随耶稣意味着什么？在路加福音18章中，耶稣向我们展示了谦卑之信的力量、坚持祷告的重要性，以及全然顺服的必要性。让我们一同探索，这些天国的原则如何能改变我们与基督同行的生命！
在路加福音第18章中，耶稣所传讲的教导颠覆了世人的价值观。
(1) 那不断求告的寡妇的比喻（路加福音18:1-8）
耶稣首先讲了一个比喻，讲述一位坚持不懈的寡妇，她不断恳求一位不义的法官为她伸张正义。尽管这位法官毫无怜悯之心，但最终还是因她的坚持而屈服了。耶稣借此比喻教导门徒关于祷告，以及在寻求上帝公义时坚持不懈的重要性。
“神岂不为祂的选民伸冤，昼夜呼求祂吗？”（路加福音18:7）。在此，耶稣向门徒保证，神与那不义的法官不同，祂既公义又仁慈。祂必听见祂子民的呼求，并在祂完美的时机回应。
应用：这个比喻提醒我们，在祷告中不可灰心。坚持祷告并非为了强迫上帝，而是为了与那位能带来公义和拯救的主保持恒久而谦卑的沟通。当我们面临困难时，上帝邀请我们不住地祷告（帖前 5:17），因为我们知道祂是信实的，必会回应。我在祷告中是否坚持不懈，特别是在灰心或等候未果的时候？我是否信靠神完美的时机和祂公义的本性？
(2) 法利赛人和税吏的比喻（路加福音 18:9-14）
在这个发人深省的比喻中，法利赛人夸耀自己的善行，而谦卑的税吏却哀求怜悯。法利赛人的祷告充满骄傲与攀比，而税吏的祷告则彰显出谦卑与悔改：“神啊，可怜我这个罪人！”（路加福音18:13）。
耶稣以一句发人深省的话作结：“因为高抬自己的，必要降卑；自己谦卑的，必要升高。”（路加福音18:14）。这个比喻揭示了骄傲与自恃的危险，同时也彰显了在神面前谦卑和破碎的福分。
应用：我们生活在一个常常推崇自我标榜的文化中，但耶稣却颠覆了这种世俗的智慧。真正的义不在于与他人比较或夸耀自己的成就，而在于承认我们对上帝怜悯的需要。在上帝面前谦卑，才是我们在祂的国度里被高举的关键。在我与上帝的关系中，我更像那个依靠自己努力的法利赛人，还是像那个谦卑承认自己需要上帝怜悯的税吏？我该如何培养一颗真正谦卑的心？
(3) 耶稣祝福孩童（路加福音 18:15-17）
当人们带着孩子来见耶稣时，门徒试图阻止他们，但耶稣责备门徒说：“让小孩子到我这里来，不要禁止他们，因为在神国里正是这样的人”（路加福音18:16）。耶稣教导我们，那种以单纯、信靠和顺服为特征的孩童般的信心，正是进入神国的典范。
耶稣的话语挑战我们，要我们放下自以为是，拥抱孩童那样的谦卑信靠。孩童不倚靠自己的力量或智慧，而是全然信靠父母的看顾。同样，我们也被呼召要全然信靠神，不倚靠自己的成就或理解。
应用：神的国不在于成就或地位，而在于以单纯、信靠的信心全然倚靠神。要进入神的国，我们必须像小孩子一样——谦卑、顺服，并信靠天父的爱与供应。我是否怀着孩童般的信心来到神面前，全然信靠祂？我该如何培养对神良善与供应更深的信靠？
(4) 富有的官长：关于顺服的艰难功课（路加福音 18:18-30）
那位富有的官长来到耶稣面前，问祂该做什么才能得永生。当耶稣告诉他要变卖一切跟随祂时，那官长脸色一沉，因为他不愿割舍自己的财富。耶稣回应说：“骆驼穿过针眼，比有钱的人进 神的国还容易呢。”（路加福音18:25）
这个故事告诉我们，对世俗财富的执着会成为进入天国的障碍。那位富有的官长爱他的财物胜过爱神。耶稣并非谴责财富本身，而是警告我们，不要让任何事物——无论是财富、权势还是安逸——取代我们对神的全然顺服。
应用：这段经文挑战我们审视自己的优先次序。在我们的生命中，是否有任何事物比我们与上帝的关系更让我们紧握不放？上帝的国度要求我们彻底顺服——愿意放下一切来跟随耶稣，相信祂所赐予的远比我们在世上所能拥有的更为宝贵。在我的生命中，是否有我不愿向上帝交托的事物？我该如何活出更全然的顺服，信靠上帝的供应与永恒的应许？
(5) 耶稣预言自己的受难与复活（路加福音 18:31-34）
耶稣的门徒们仍未意识到前方将要发生什么，但耶稣深知自己的道路将通向受苦、受死与复活。祂把十二门徒带到一旁，告诉他们关于人子所写的一切都要应验。门徒虽不明白，但耶稣正在为他们预备，使他们能面对前方的艰难道路。
十字架是神救赎计划的核心。耶稣完全清楚自己将要承受的苦难，却甘愿走向它，因为唯有通过祂的牺牲，救恩才会临到世人。
应用：耶稣预言自己的死，提醒我们基督徒的生活就是跟随耶稣的脚步，接受苦难与牺牲的呼召。当我们跟随基督时，并非被应许安逸或舒适，而是因着祂的复活，被应许得着永生。即使身处苦难与挑战之中，我是否准备好跟随耶稣？我该如何更好地回应背起十字架的呼召，并信靠复活的盼望？
祷告
主啊，感谢祢在《路加福音》第18章中教导我们的功课。求祢帮助我恒切祷告，谦卑生活，并像孩子一样信靠祢的美善。求祢向我显明，我需要在哪里顺服，并放下一切妨碍我全然委身于祢的事物。感谢祢赐下十字架，求祢赐我力量，无论代价如何，都能跟随祢。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。
