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The Parable of the Persistent Widow

The Parable of the Persistent Widow. Luke 18:1-8. Introduction. Jesus sometimes used parables to teach important lessons to His disciples An important part of being a disciple is the ability to communicate with God by prayer At least 3 parables are told to teach about prayer

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The Parable of the Persistent Widow

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  1. The Parable of the Persistent Widow Luke 18:1-8

  2. Introduction • Jesus sometimes used parables to teach important lessons to His disciples • An important part of being a disciple is the ability to communicate with God by prayer • At least 3 parables are told to teach about prayer • “The Friend at Midnight” (Lk 11:5-13) • “The Persistent Widow” (Lk 18:1-8) • “The Pharisee and the Publican” (Lk 18:9-14)

  3. The setting • Luke 17:20-37 • Jesus explains • That the kingdom will not be physical, but spiritual • That the disciples will suffer and wish for Jesus’ return • That many false Christ’s will appear • That they will have to be on guard so they are not led astray

  4. The setting • Luke 18:1 • Jesus then wanted them to understand the need for PERSISTENCE in our prayers • Persistence means not giving up • The same thing He taught in “The Friend at Midnight” • Jesus knows it is easy to become discouraged • Especially considering the upcoming persecution

  5. The Parable • Luke 18:2 • The character of the judge • Did not fear God nor regard man • So he is NOT a fair or righteous judge • Sometimes called “The Parable of the Unjust Judge”

  6. The Parable • Luke 18:3 • The distress of the widow • She has some adversary who has wronged her • She is seeking “justice” • Luke 18:4a • The difficulty she faced • The judge doesn’t care about justice • Repeated requests get nowhere at first

  7. The Parable • Luke 18:4b-5 • The judge finally relents • Not out of a need for justice • Not from a sense of right and wrong • Simply because he is tired of hearing the widow

  8. The parable applied • Jesus explains the basic point of the parable by applying the parable • Luke 18:6-8 • Hear what the unjust judge says • He did not fear God • He did not regard man • But he was moved to action by the widow’s persistence • Shall not God avenge His own elect? • If an UNJUST judge will act because of persistence • How much more will a JUST God act

  9. The Widow A stranger Only one At a distance An unjust judge On her own Pleads her own case No promise of an answer Limited access Asking provoked the judge Christians His elect – 1 Pet 2:9-10 We are many Boldly enter – He 4:15-16 A righteous Father God is for us – Ro 8:31-32 An advocate – Ro 8:34 We have promises – Lk 18:8 Unlimited access Asking is what God wants – Mt 7:7-11 Contrast the petitioners’ relationship to their judges

  10. God will avenge His elect • Lk 18:7b • He may wait a long time, but He will avenge • Rev 6:9-10 • He is waiting for more to repent – 2 Pet 3:9 • 2 Th 1:7-9 • But vengeance is coming • 1 Th 5:1-3 • When it comes, there will be no escape

  11. But will there be faith on the earth? • The Lord will come • He will avenge His elect • But during the wait some will give up • Lack of praying for His return indicates a lack of faith in His promise • We don’t believe He will return • We don’t believe in heaven • We prefer this world • Jesus told this parable so that • We might always pray • We would not lose heart

  12. Conclusion • Are you praying? • Are you praying persistently? • Are you praying for the Lord’s return? • God hears those prayers • Don’t give up • Don’t lose heart • He will return as He promised • We serve and petition a faithful and righteous God, not an unjust judge

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