Parable of the Persistent Widow – Luke 18:1-8
Here is an audio link for today’s post.
As we continue to explore the parables of Jesus, one goal we should always strive for is to read them in the context of what came before, what is happening in the moment, and what will occur afterwards.
When the Bible was first transcribed from the original texts, there were no chapters or verses. They were added later for ease of reference. That’s how we should read these parables: as if there are no breaks in the natural flow of the text.
Today’s Parable of the Persistent Widow is no exception.
In Luke 17, the main theme of the chapter is about the end of the age. Jesus wanted the disciples to be alert-to watch and pray. But He did not want them, or future believers to be consumed with worries over the last days.
Today, we meet a widow with different concerns. Jesus shares the next parable as a reminder to always pray about everything, not just the tribulation. The poor widow had very immediate and practical troubles. She had been taken advantage of by an adversary.
The implication of the story is that an unscrupulous adversary had stolen from her or had tricked her out of vital resources.
Her only recourse for help came from an unlikely judge. Take a look.
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up, saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
This passage is not comparing the dispassionate judge to our Lord. God desires our communion with Him. Rather it is a call for us to see the stark contrast between our loving Lord, who meets every need, with a heartless judge who simply wants the woman to go away.
The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Our prayers should be like the persistent widow. Nothing could stop her. Not her pride, her fear or doubt. She wasn’t even hindered by her place in society. She was propelled by her need.
Let us be propelled by our love and devotion for our God.
Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I hope you will read the rest of this rich chapter. Luke 18 is where we read about the Savior’s love for one man who preferred his status in the world and turned away from Jesus. And another man, who has nothing, finds everything when he gives his heart to the Savior.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Statement of Faith
