Queen's Road Cell

 The earlier parable about the unjust judge taught us to pray with persevering trust even though it seemed that answers were delayed. This second parable tells us the spirit in which were are to pray.   13. What is wrong with the Pharisee's attitude in prayer (18:11-12)? Standing is the usual posture for prayer (Mt 6:5, Mk 11:25) The Jews were only required to fast once, on the Day of Atonement.   What the Pharisee said of himself was true. But there was no sense of sin or humble dependence on God. 'The Pharisee came short of congratulating God on the excellence of his servant, but only just.' (Morris) ‘He glances at God, but contemplates himself’ (Plummer) - his prayer was completely centred on himself and his achievements. It is possible for a Christian to think (or pray) like this, but only in the recognition that God has enabled us to please Him. 14. What is good about the tax collector's attitude in prayer (18:13)? The lifting of eyes to heaven was normal in prayer...

 10. a. What did Jesus say to do when people claim that the Son of Man has returned (17:22-25)?  Do not believe and follow them. b. What reasons did He give? In conrast to the hidden appearance of the Kingdom begun at Jesus' first coming (17:20), the true second coming will be clear to everyone.   "But first" speaks of the necessity of sequence in God's plan. Suffering always precedes glory.       "you will desire to see the days of the Son of Man" probably means that believers will long for the time when the messianic kingdom is inaugurated, but Jesus will not yet have returned.  A less likely interpretation is that the disciples will long for the time when Jesus was physically with them.    11. How will the days of the Son  of Man be like the days of Noah and Lot (17:26-35)? People will be engaged in the ordinary activities of life (no sinful activities are mentioned here). They were self-centred, in contrast to Noah and Lot, who th...