Luke 18

Treasure in Heaven

Do you want to enter the celestial kingdom? Why? What blessings do you believe await you there? What kind of person do you believe you need to become in order to enter therein?

Jesus taught: “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein” (Luke 18:17). Each of the stories and parables in Luke 18 centers around the promise that the faithful who follow Jesus’ teachings will enter into heaven. As you read this chapter, look for how each of Jesus’ teachings could help you become childlike and qualify to receive His greatest treasures.

Other Accounts of What You Read in Luke 18

Luke 18:15–30—Matthew 19:13–29; Mark 10:13–30

Luke 18:31–34—Matthew 20:17–19; Mark 10:31–34

Luke 18:35–43—Matthew 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52

Understanding the Scriptures

Luke 18

Avenge me (vv. 3, 5, 7–8)Provide justice or fairness

Bear long (v. 7)Endure

Extortioners, unjust (v. 11)Robbers, evildoers

Abased (v. 14)Humbled

Manifold (v. 30)Many times as much

Spitefully entreated (v. 32)Insulted

Luke 18:1–8—Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Unjust Judge?

Elder James E. Talmage wrote: “Jesus did not indicate that as the wicked judge finally yielded to supplication so would God do; but He pointed out that if even such a being as this judge, who ‘feared not God, neither regarded man,’ would at last hear and grant the widow’s plea, no one should doubt that God, the Just and Merciful, will hear and answer [our prayers]” (Jesus the Christ, 436; see also D&C 101:81–92).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Luke 18.

1. Use Your Own Words

   Read the parable of the unjust judge in Luke 18:1–8 and write in your own words what you think is the main message (see also “Understanding the Scriptures” for Luke 18:1–8).

2. Make a Comparison

   In Luke 18:1 Jesus taught that we should pray always. In addition, the parable in Luke 18:9–14 teaches us that we should have a certain attitude as we pray. Compare the Pharisee and the tax collector in the parable by duplicating and completing the following chart in your notebook:

   	Pharisee	Tax Collector
   What did people think of him?
   What did he think of himself?
   What did he pray for?
   What did Jesus say about each man?
   Read Alma 31:13–20 and 33:3–11. Which do you think best matches each man’s prayer?