The Bryce Crawford Podcast – Luke Series Chapter 18 (EP 166)

Host: Bryce Crawford
Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bryce Crawford delves into Luke Chapter 18, exploring its parables and teachings to encourage listeners to deepen their faith, pursue persistent prayer, and examine their hearts before God. The discussion moves verse by verse, with practical applications and reflections on the words and miracles of Jesus, offering inspiration and challenge for Christians navigating today's world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Parable of the Persistent Widow – Power of Persistent Prayer

[07:00]

• Bryce introduces Luke 18 by emphasizing its message: "They ought always to pray and not lose heart."
• Explains the parable: An ungodly judge is compelled to grant justice because of a widow's persistence.
  • Quote: "Don't lose heart in your prayers. God hears your prayers, every tear you've cried, every prayer you've sown, every letter you've written to God. He has read, he has heard, he's collected and his heart goes out to you." (Bryce, 09:30)
• God’s answer may be “no” for protection or “yes” in trust, but He is always timely.

2. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Humility in Worship

[11:15]

• Parable comparison: Proud Pharisee vs. humble tax collector.
• The Pharisee boasts in his works, the tax collector confesses his sin and seeks mercy.
  • Quote: "You can either humble yourself before God in your sin, or your sin will humble you." (Bryce, 13:30)
• Message: Justification comes through humility, not self-exaltation or religious performance.

3. Let the Children Come – Childlike Faith

[15:40]

• Jesus welcomes children, rebuking disciples who tried to hinder them.
  • Quote: "The kids seemed to have loved Jesus. And it says to him, Jesus called to them, saying, let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God... Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like this child shall not enter it." (Bryce quoting scripture and reflecting, 16:00)
• Emphasizes innocence, trust, and believing without skepticism—qualities that Jesus highlights as essential for entering God’s kingdom.
• Compares childlike belief in Santa to the faith Christians are called to have in God’s promises.

4. The Rich Young Ruler – Surrendering What Sits on the Throne of Your Heart

[18:10]

• A ruler asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, claiming to keep all commandments.
• Jesus challenges him to sell possessions and give to the poor.
  • Quote: "Jesus is challenging what sits on the throne of your heart... Maybe you’re not the rich young ruler in money, but maybe you’re rich in something else." (Bryce, 20:40)
• Bryce draws modern parallels: money, relationships, status, habits—what do people value over Jesus?
• Not wealth itself but the heart’s attachment to it is the issue.
• Quote: "It’s not necessarily the number in your bank account that makes it sinful, it’s is it sitting on the throne of your heart." (Bryce, 22:10)
• "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Real surrender is empowered by God, not self-will.

5. Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

[25:45]

• Jesus takes the disciples aside and openly predicts his coming suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem.
  • Disciples do not yet understand this prophecy.

6. Healing of the Blind Beggar – Faith that Acts on What is Heard

[28:30]

• The miracle as Jesus approaches Jericho: a blind man calls out for mercy despite being rebuked.
  • Bryce notes the significance: the man never saw miracles, he only heard about Jesus—his faith comes by hearing.
  • Quote: "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing what? The word of God. And Jesus is the word that became flesh..." (Bryce, 29:20)
• Jesus restores his sight, attributing the healing to his faith.
• Bryce underscores: No diagnosis or condition is too great for God to overcome.
  • Quote: "God is bigger than your cancer diagnosis. God is bigger than your sickness. God is bigger than your disease... God is Lord over all, and all of these medical issues bow at the name of Jesus." (Bryce, 31:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On persistent prayer:
  "Don’t lose heart in your prayers. God sees you, He loves you, and He’s answering." (Bryce, 09:50)

• On humility vs. pride:
  "You can either humble yourself before God in your sin, or your sin will humble you." (Bryce, 13:30)

• On what we value most:
  "Jesus is challenging what sits on the throne of your heart... Why don’t you love me more than you love social media? Why don’t you love me more than you love that addiction over there?" (Bryce, 21:00)

• On faith like a child:
  "In the same way, we must cling to the truth of the word of God. Just like a child." (Bryce, 16:45)

• On miracles and healing:
  "There is no scientific doctor's medical diagnosis that can be given that is too big for God... God is Lord over all and all of these medical issues bow the name of Jesus." (Bryce, 31:00)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 07:00 – Introduction to Luke 18 and the parable of the persistent widow
• 11:15 – The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: humility and justification
• 15:40 – Jesus and the children: childlike faith explained
• 18:10 – The Rich Young Ruler: Jesus challenges misplaced priorities
• 25:45 – Jesus predicts his death and resurrection
• 28:30 – Healing of the blind beggar: faith and miracles
• 31:00 – Closing encouragement: God overcomes every diagnosis

Overall Tone & Style

Bryce Crawford’s delivery is energetic, compassionate, and practical, always seeking to apply biblical truths to modern life. He mixes direct exegesis with personal stories and challenging questions, aiming to both comfort and urge listeners toward deeper faith.

Final Encouragement

Bryce closes by encouraging listeners not to rely solely on podcasts for their spiritual growth:
"…the ultimate heart is so that you go and read this word daily. You don’t rely on the podcast, you rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit." (33:15)

This summary captures the substance and spirit of Bryce Crawford’s exploration of Luke 18, offering both an accessible recap and a tool for further reflection for those who missed the episode or want to revisit its main points.