The Parable of the Unjust Judge or Persistent Widow: Luke 18:1-8
by Owen Borville
August 5, 2019
Bible
In the Parable of the Unjust Judge or the Persistent Widow, Jesus describes a widow that unsuccessfully seeks justice from a judge that lacks compassion. Finally, after many attempts, the judge shows mercy only out of convenience so the woman would stop bothering him. The Parable is only included in the Gospel of Luke 18:1-8.
This parable is usually interpreted by the power of faith, prayer, and persistence. The widow's faith led to her justice request being addressed, despite the unjust nature of the judge. Jesus explains in the parable the importance of prayer and faith. Jesus instructed his followers to continue to pray and never faint or give up. Eventually, your prayers will be answered, just as the widow saw her prayers answered. The parable also seems to have a reference to the judgement of God in that God will avenge the wrongdoings of those against the faithful and God will eventually bring justice to those who have been mistreated. Jesus reminds his followers to keep the faith and God will one day take care of those who have been mistreated. Jesus asks, "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Those who have kept the faith will be rewarded when the Lord returns one day.
Luke 18:1-8:
18 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
by Owen Borville
August 5, 2019
Bible
In the Parable of the Unjust Judge or the Persistent Widow, Jesus describes a widow that unsuccessfully seeks justice from a judge that lacks compassion. Finally, after many attempts, the judge shows mercy only out of convenience so the woman would stop bothering him. The Parable is only included in the Gospel of Luke 18:1-8.
This parable is usually interpreted by the power of faith, prayer, and persistence. The widow's faith led to her justice request being addressed, despite the unjust nature of the judge. Jesus explains in the parable the importance of prayer and faith. Jesus instructed his followers to continue to pray and never faint or give up. Eventually, your prayers will be answered, just as the widow saw her prayers answered. The parable also seems to have a reference to the judgement of God in that God will avenge the wrongdoings of those against the faithful and God will eventually bring justice to those who have been mistreated. Jesus reminds his followers to keep the faith and God will one day take care of those who have been mistreated. Jesus asks, "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Those who have kept the faith will be rewarded when the Lord returns one day.
Luke 18:1-8:
18 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?