Jesus starts Luke 18 with the Parable of the Persistent Widow which shows that people "should always pray and not give up". The Parable tells of a judge who didn't fear God or care about man, and a widow kept coming to him asking for justice but he couldn't care less! However she kept coming so much that he granted her wish just to get some peace. So Jesus says "God will bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night". Next comes the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In the Parable the Pharisee prayed exalting himself... I'm not a robber or an adulterer... and I pay my tithes and fast... whereas the tax collector humbly cried God, have mercy on me a sinner... this man went home justified, said Jesus, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled". Then people were bringing babies to Jesus for a blessing, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus however welcomed the children because "of such is the kingdom of heaven". Then a rich young ruler enquired about eternal life and Jesus told him to keep the commandments which he said he already did. Then Jesus added that he should sell everything and give to the poor. This saddened the man as he was wealthy. Jesus then remarked how difficult it was for the rich to enter the kingdom of God... but all things are possible for God... but those who leave all for the kingdom will be rewarded. Jesus then explained to the 12 about his imminent mocking, insulting, killing and rising from the dead, but they could not take it in. Finally Jesus healed a blind man sitting by the road near Jericho. The man became a follower of Jesus and praised God profusely.
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