Notes on Luke 17:28-18:14

Luke 17:28-29

Lot. Abraham's nephew (Gen. 11:26-32). Sodom. A city known for its wickedness and sexual deviancy (Gen. 19:1-9). destroyed. Lot and his family were rescued from the city of Sodom moments before fire fell from the sky on that sinful place (Gen. 19:10-16). There was no warning before God's just judgment rained down. Everyone was going about their lives normally.

Luke 17:30

God's judgment came swiftly and without warning in the days of Noah (v. 26-27) and Lot (vv. 28-29). Likewise, when Jesus, the Son of Man returns, judgment will come quickly without signs or warning. Son of Man. See notes on 5:22-24. See WCF 28.5.

Luke 17:31

There will be no time to prepare for the judgment that will come when Jesus returns.

Luke 17:32

Lot's wife. Lot and his family were instructed not to look back as they fled God's judgment on the city (Gen. 19:17). But Lot's wife looked back because she longed for the wicked city over God's salvation. As a result, the judgment of God also fell on her, reducing her body to a pillar of salt (Gen. 19:26).

Luke 17:33

This is the irony of Christianity. The one who holds onto the things of this world ends up losing their life in the judgment to come. But the one who puts Christ's first above earthly things, gains eternal life with God (see 9:24).

Luke 17:34-35

night. Picture that emphasizes Jesus' return will be unexpected (12:38, 40; 1 Thess. 5:2). taken . . . left. God takes up his people to meet Jesus and experience salvation while others are left to be judged for their sins (vv. 26-31). This is not random. Those who put their hope in Jesus will be saved (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17).

Luke 17:37

When you sees the vultures circling round you know something is dead nearby. Likewise, when the judgment comes, you will know the end has come. Life will be over and it will be too late to do anything about it (Heb. 9:27; see 16:19-31). All of humanity will be divided between those in God's kingdom and those outside his kingdom (2:34; 11:23; 12:51).

Luke 18:1-14

This section contains two parables: the parable of the persistent widow (18:1-8) and the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector (18:9-14).

Luke 18:1

parable. See note on 8:4. pray. Parables often caused confusion (Matt. 13:26; 15:15). Here, Luke gave the reader direction for understanding the parable from the beginning (see 18:9; 19:11). Jesus wanted his disciples to continually pray without discouragement (see 1 Thess. 5:17; Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22).

Luke 18:2

The judge was indifferent to everyone. Thus, he ruled without accountability or a concern for justice.

Luke 18:3

widow. One of the most vulnerable people in society at that time. The woman had no influence and few resources. came often. The widow had no one to speak for her, so she spoke for herself. She was persistent in her plea for justice from the judge.

Luke 18:4-5

The widow eventually received justice from the judge. Though, not because the judge cared about her or doing what was right (v. 6). He was simply tired of her relentless pursuit of justice.

Luke 18:6-7

In contrast to the unjust judge, God will surely hear the prayers of his people. The judge grew tired of the woman's pleas. However, God loves his people and delights to answer their prayers (11:9-13; Rom. 8:14-17). justice. Could be rescue from trouble (Acts 7:24) or judgment on those afflicting his people (Rev. 6:10; 19:2). chosen. God's people whom he has graciously called out of sinful humanity for salvation. This calling was based on his sovereign choice (John 15:16; Rom. 9:9-18; Eph. 1:3-14). delay. Unlike the judge (vv. 3-4), God will not put off responding to his people's prayers.

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