14. . V . Over-formalised justice

18:1-8

them

"pray . . . . widow & judge"

18:1-8 He told a parable to them to point out they must always pray and not give up. He said "There was a certain judge in a certain city who did not fear God nor have regard for people's opinion. There was also a widow in that city and she came to him saying "Give me justice from my opponent." But he would not for a time. But after this he said to himself "I do not fear God, nor have regard for other people. But because

this widow is causing me trouble I will give her justice in case in the end she exhausts me." Then the Lord (Jesus) said "Hear then what the unrighteous judge is saying and consider. Will God not give justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? Will he not be patient with them? I tell you that he will vindicate them quickly. Even so, will the Son of man when coming find faith on the earth?"

15. . V . Self-grandisement

18:9-14

Some

"2 men went up to temple to pray"

18:9-14 He also told a parable to some of those who relied on themselves. They considered that they were righteous and despised the others. He said "Two men went up to the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee was standing there and was really praying to himself. He said "God I thank you that I am not like the rest of men - rapacious, unjust, adulterers or even like this tax- collector.

I fast twice a week. I tithe everything that I get." But on the other hand the tax-collector stood far off and would not even lift his eyes up to heaven. Rather he struck 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 one. Because, everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. The one humbling himself will be exalted.

"

16. . V . Exclusion of children

18:15-17

Disciples

"allow the children to me"

18:15-17 They also brought him babies so he might touch them. But seeing that the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him saying "Let the children (the toddlers) come to me and do not prevent them. The kingdom of God is made up of such as these. Truly I tell you whoever does not

receive the kingdom of God as a child, will definitely not by no means will enter into it. The kingdom of God is made up of such as these. Truly I tell you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child, will by no (other) means enter into it.

If people fail to see the importance of being child-like in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, it is not from lack of repetition both on the part of Jesus and on the part of the gospel writers who are setting out his message. Another point one notices from one paragraph to the next here, is how Luke gradually moves from using the name of "Jesus" to that of "the Lord".