Luke 18: Theophilus' Empathy

Luke 18: Theophilus' Empathy

5 "Yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!" 

14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

17 "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."

Luke hopes that Theophilus will empathize with the characters in Jesus' parables and events in chapter 18. Between the unjust judge and the widow (verses 1-8), who would Theophilus be drawn to? Considering his status, position, and life circumstances, he would likely relate more to the judge than to the widow, who is more familiar to the average Christian. Luke is the widow, and his letter is a plea. The disappointing outcome for those who receive answered prayers, as expressed in Jesus' sigh in verse 8, can be summarized by Luke's own sigh, "Do as you please." Luke urges Theophilus to be persuaded, if only out of annoyance.

In the passage about the Pharisee and the tax collector's prayers (verses 9-14), Luke advises Theophilus not to become like the Pharisee. Theophilus, who has shown interest in Jesus by not rejecting Luke's letter, should not let his relatively better life, in comparison to others, act as the Pharisee's self-righteousness. Luke asks Theophilus, who has probably seldom knelt, to kneel before God like the tax collector.

Then Luke encourages Theophilus to accept the kingdom of God as presented by Jesus. Theophilus should embrace God's kingdom like a child (verses 15-17).

Luke clarifies to Theophilus that his status, power, and comparative advantages do not guarantee entry into God's kingdom (verses 18-30). While it might seem as impossible as a camel passing through the eye of a needle for Theophilus to enter God's embrace, Luke prophesies that God's power will manifest there (verse 27). Therefore, even if Luke's letter fails, God will not. Luke is confident that Theophilus, like Peter, can become a disciple of Jesus (verse 29 and following). The disciples did not become followers because they fully understood Jesus' words. They, too, did not know him (verses 31-34). If the twelve disciples did not fully grasp Jesus' teachings, how much more so for Theophilus? Jesus can open the eyes of Theophilus, who is blind to the kingdom of God, even as he reads Luke's letter (verses 35-43).