Jesus contrasted God with an unjust human judge. The real issue, he said, was not if we can trust God, but if God can trust us: “Will the Human One (or, Son of Man) find faithfulness on earth?” Jesus’ culture devalued tax collectors and children. Jesus said those “nobodies” were more likely to receive God’s favor than a self-satisfied Pharisee or a ruler who loved things
more than God. “Who then can be saved?” his startled hearers asked. Jesus replied, “What is impossible for humans is possible for God.”

• In 18:1-8 Jesus used a common rabbinic teaching device: a “how much more” image. “If even an unjust judge will do justice if pressed hard enough,” he asked, in effect, “how much more can we trust God to do justice?” Then he asked if he will find faithfulness on earth. In other words, can we keep trusting God to do justice even in the face of disappointments or delays? How is your heart answering Jesus’ question about faith?
• Most people in Jesus’ day thought material riches ALWAYS meant God’s favor. When the wealthy young ruler whose possessions “owned” him turned away, Jesus said that it was very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom. His hearers, reflecting their belief, replied, “Then who can be saved?” Are you confident that, whether you are a somebody or a nobody, your salvation is “possible for God”? What difference does that make in how you live each day?