CHAPTER XXIII.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST JUDGE, INFANTS, AND THE WAY OF SALVATION.
1 18:1AND he spoke also a parable to them, that men ought to pray at all times, and not to faint; 18:2saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, who feared not God and regarded not man. 18:3And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Give me judgment against my adversary. 18:4And he would not for a time; but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God and regard not man, 18:5yet because this widow makes me trouble I will give her judgment, that she may not vex me by her continual coming. 18:6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge says. 18:7And will not God execute the judgment of his elect, who cry day and night to him, even though he waits long on them? 18:8I tell you, he will execute their judgment speedily. But when the Son of man comes will he find faith on the earth?
2 18:9And he also spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 18:10Two men went up to the temple to pray; one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 18:11The Pharisee, standing by himself, offered this prayer; God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican; 18:12I fast twice a week; I tithe all I acquire. 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote on his breast, saying, God, be propitious to me a sinner. 18:14I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than that; for every one that exalts himself shall be humbled, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
3 18:15And they brought him also infants, that he should touch them; and the disciples seeing it reproved them. 18:16But Jesus calling them, said, Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. 18:17I tell you truly, that whoever receives not the kingdom of God as a little child, shall by no means enter into it.
4 18:18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 18:19And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, God. 18:20You know the commandments; You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not testify falsely, Honor your father and your mother. 18:21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth. 18:22And Jesus hearing it, said to him, One thing you yet want; sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have a treasure in heaven, and come, follow me. 18:23And when he heard these things he was sad; for he was very rich. 18:24And Jesus seeing him, said, With what difficulty do those who have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 18:25It is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 18:26And those hearing him, said, And who can be saved? 18:27And he said, Things impossible with man are possible with God.
5 18:28And Peter said, Behold, we have left our [property] and followed you. 18:29And he said to them, I tell you truly, that there is no one who has left a house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, on account of the kingdom of God, 18:30who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the life to come eternal life.