“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”
Luke 18:7-8
Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it. I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. The one will be taken, and the other will be left. There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left.” [a]
Luke 17 [37.] They, answering, asked him, “Where, Lord?”
He said to them, “Where the body is, there will the vultures also be gathered together.”
Luke 18 [1.] 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.’”
Luke 18 [6.] 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?”
Luke 18 [9.] He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Meaning:
The parable begins with Jesus introducing a widow who repeatedly comes to an unjust judge seeking justice against her adversary. Despite the judge's lack of concern for justice or fear of God, he eventually grants the widow's request because of her persistence. Jesus concludes the parable by stating that if an unjust judge grants justice to a persistent widow, how much more will God, who is just and merciful, answer the prayers of His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night.
- Persistent Prayer:
The primary lesson of this parable is the importance of persistent prayer. The widow's persistence in seeking justice from the unjust judge illustrates the kind of perseverance and determination Jesus desires in his followers when they pray.
Jesus encourages his disciples to continue praying and not lose heart, even when their prayers seem unanswered or when they face challenges and obstacles. Persistence in prayer demonstrates our trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to answer our prayers according to His will and timing.
- Faith and Trust in God's Justice:
The parable also highlights the confidence believers can have in God's justice and righteousness. Although the unjust judge eventually grants the widow's request out of annoyance, God willingly grants justice to His chosen ones because He cares for them and delights in their persistent faith.
Jesus assures his disciples that God will not delay in answering their prayers. He may not always answer in the way or timing we expect, but He is faithful to fulfill His promises and act on behalf of His people.
- Contrast Between the Unjust Judge and God:
The contrast between the unjust judge and God emphasizes God's character as just, merciful, and loving. Unlike the judge who lacks concern for justice and the well-being of others, God is always attentive to the cries of His people and acts on their behalf out of His love and righteousness.
This contrast encourages believers to approach God with confidence and assurance, knowing that He is a just and loving Father who cares deeply for His children and desires to provide for their needs.
Cross-referencing with other passages in Scripture, we find similar teachings on persistent prayer and trust in God's justice and faithfulness. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus encourages his disciples to ask, seek, and knock, assuring them that they will receive, find, and have the door opened to them. In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul urges believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, knowing that He will respond with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
As we reflect on Luke 18:1-8, we are reminded of the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith in God's justice and provision. This passage encourages us to continue seeking God diligently in prayer, trusting that He hears our cries and responds according to His perfect will and timing. May we, like the persistent widow, persistently seek God's justice and mercy, knowing that He is faithful to answer our prayers.
See also: vs 9-14
endurance - justice - prayer - team
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible