Since last week, we have looked at three parables and one incident, all from Luke chapter 18… what do we learn from them?  I doubt that it is a coincidence that they are all together, for there is a common thread.

The persistent widow has taught us that we must pray fervently, have great faith and never give up.  The Pharisee and the tax collector has taught us that humility before God in seeking His mercy will result in our being forgiven, while pride and arrogance will lead to ruin even if we are otherwise well-behaved.  The little children have taught us that in God’s eyes none of the trappings of wealth or worldly accomplishment count for much; we should be innocent in heart and cleansed by the blood of Christ.  The rich ruler has taught us that our heart and soul must be for God; that we must not allow the things and attractions of this world to hold us back from to God like the little children.

Faith, persistence, humility, innocence and a willingness to leave everything behind and follow the Lord Jesus Christ:  This is the recipe for spiritual success and happiness.  If you think about it, it is also the recipe for having our priorities straight; for putting first the things that really count and relegating those things that aren’t really all that important to a secondary position.

Any way you want to look at it, Jesus has set out the road to a full and complete life in these stories!