Read the Passage: Luke 18:28–19:10

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 18:28–19:10.

Teaching the Disciples (18:28–34)

Jesus’ interaction with the rich, young, ruler (cf. Luke 18:18–27) included Christ’s kind invitation to the man, “Follow Me” (Luke 18:22). This offer is the same invitation that Jesus gave to the apostles—the difference being that whereas the disciples followed Christ, the rich, young, ruler walked away. Next, these events prompted Peter’s less-than-humble reminder to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You” (Luke 18:28). Christ responded by recognizing that in order to follow Him, many will give up houses, parents, siblings, spouses, children, and the like. Yet, Jesus also noted that His disciples will “receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life” (Luke 18:30). The idea here is that in becoming a citizen of the kingdom of God, a Christian will gain a new spiritual family in the present, as well as eternal life in the age to come.

Whereas in Luke 18:29–30 Jesus taught the disciples about what they might have to give up in order to follow Him, in Luke 18:31–34 Christ taught about what He would give up in becoming their Savior. Note that earlier, on several occasions, Jesus had spoken about His coming death (cf. Luke 9:22, 44; 12:50; 13:32–33; 17:25). In this present passage, Christ again addressed His impending death, however here He is more specific. Indeed, in Luke 18:31–33 Jesus notes: the place of His death—Jerusalem (cf. Luke 18:31a), the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (cf. Luke 18:31b), being delivered by Gentiles (cf. Luke 18:32a), being mocked, insulted, and spit upon (cf. Luke 18:32b), being scourged and killed (cf. Luke 18:33a), as well as His future resurrection on the third day (cf. Luke 18:33b). Curiously, Luke 18:34 reports the disciples “understood none of these things.”

Healing Bartimaeus (18:35–43)

The account of Jesus’ healing of Bartimaeus is recorded in each of the Synoptic Gospels. Interestingly, only Mark records that the name of the blind man is Bartimaeus (cf. Mark 10:46) and only Matthew observes that there were actually two blind men whom Christ healed on this occasion (cf. Matt. 20:30). As Luke reports, blind Bartimaeus was by the side of the road begging when he learned that Jesus was passing by him. Given the proximity of Christ, Bartimaeus repeatedly cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38–39). While this might seem to be just a cry for help, in Luke 18:42 we learn that it was actually a cry of faith. In response to Bartimaeus’ request, Jesus called for him, had compassion on him, touched his eyes, and restored his sight (cf. Matt. 20:34). Upon being healed, each of the Gospels reports that Bartimaeus became a follower of Christ.

Forgiving Zacchaeus (19:1–10)

Luke 19:1–10 contains the well-known account of Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus, which is only recorded in Luke’s Gospel. It is likely that Luke gives this narrative by way of contrast to the story of the rich, young, ruler in the previous chapter. Indeed, it seems that Luke is showing that while it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (cf. Luke 18:24–25), with God all things are possible (cf. Luke 18:27). Observe that in this account Luke reports several facts about Zacchaeus—namely that: (1) he was a chief tax collector, (2) he was very rich, (3) he was small in stature, (4) he was interested in seeing Jesus, and (5) he had climbed into a sycamore tree in order to catch a better glimpse of Christ. How surprised Zacchaeus must have been when Jesus stopped, called him by name, and declared that he needed to stay at his house! Zacchaeus immediately came down the tree and joyfully received Christ.

As they had done earlier (cf. Luke 5:30; 15:2), so here the people complained over Jesus’ interaction with sinners (cf. Luke 19:7). Nevertheless, Christ dined with Zacchaeus. At first, it may seem surprising that Zacchaeus declared his intent to give half of his goods to the poor, as well as to restore fourfold anything that was stolen (cf. Luke 19:8). Yet, Zacchaeus’ joyful reception of Jesus into his home (cf. Luke 19:6) reveals that had already willingly received Christ into his life. Observe the contrast in this passage between the grumbling of the crowds towards Jesus, and the joy of Zacchaeus in the presence of Christ. In light of Zacchaeus’ actions, Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). Furthermore, Christ used these events to give the wider teaching, “The Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Application Questions:

1. What is the proper motivation for following Christ? How can we be sure that our motives for serving Jesus are pure?
2. What are some of the practical benefits, in the present age, of becoming a follower of Jesus?
3. Given Jesus’ numerous and clear teachings about His death and resurrection, why did the disciples not understand?
4. How do you view the spiritual potential of a poor person as compared to that of a wealthy person?
5. How ought the gospel to affect believers’ views of money, business, and material possessions?