The Parable of the Unjust Judge

18 And he told them a parable to show that they must always pray and not be discouraged, 2 saying, “There was a certain judge in a certain town who did not fear God and did not respect people. 3 And there was a widow in that town, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary!’ 4 And he was not willing for a time, but after these things he said to himself, ‘Even if I do not fear God or respect people, 5 yet because this widow is causing trouble for me, I will grant her justice, so that she does not wear me down in the end by her* coming back!’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge is saying! 7 And will not God surely ⌊see to it that justice is done⌋a to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, and will he delay toward them? 8 I tell you that ⌊he will see to it that justice is done⌋b for them soon! Nevertheless, when* the Son of Man comes, then will he find faith on earth?”

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 And he also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and looked down on ⌊everyone else⌋:c 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and* prayed these things with reference to himself: ‘God, I give thanks to you that I am not like other people—swindlers, unrighteous people, adulterers, or even like this tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than that one! For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Little Children Brought to Jesus

15 Now they were bringing even their* babies to him so that he could touch them. But when* the disciples saw it,* they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to himself, saying, “Allow the children to come to me, and do not forbid them, ⌊for to such belongs⌋d the kingdom of God. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a young child will never enter into it.”