A. INTRODUCTION: LUKE 18:1-8
Jesus told the story of a persistent widow who continually asked an unjust judge for justice. He finally gave in because of her persistence. This is one of the few parables where Jesus gave its purpose before telling the story. “Me ought always to pray, and not to faint” (18:1). This verse gives two principles about prayer.
1. Continued prayer. We should be persistent, “faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV).
2. Unending prayer. We should “never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, CEV).
B. WHAT IS A PARABLE?
A parable is a story that is true to life, but not a historical event, given to teach a spiritual truth based on similarities. A parable is an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning.
1. Similarity between the widow and believers.
a. A widow is an object of help. “You shall not afflict any widow” (Exodus 22:23-24). “ Pure and undefiled religion before God … to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (James 1:27).
b. The widow was wronged. “She came … saying ‘avenge me of my adversary’” (Luke 18:3). What do you think was her problem? ____________________________________________________.
c. The basis of her request, not:
(1) Poverty.
(2) Her widowhood.
(3) Her need.
(4) No… it was justice.
d. Basis:
(1) Give me what’s yours – covet.
(2) Give me what’s others – lust.
(3) Give me what’s mine – justice.
2. The unjust judge:
a. No principles. “Feared not God” (18:2). The law is an extension of the person and nature of God. The judge’s task depends on God’s law.
b. No heart. “Neither regarded man” (v. 2). The judge’s task was done for people, not for the abstract law.
c. Selfish. “He cared for self, because he did nothing for the widow, then helped the widow only to get rid of her. “This widow troubleth me” (v. 5).
d. Pride. The word “weary” (v. 5) means to give a black eye.
(1) Ignored the law – not blessed God.
(2) Broke the law – curse in God’s name.
(3) Opposite of the law – curse God.
3. Divine Judge. What do we know about God?
a. Compassionate. Earthly judge would not avenge, but God, “avenges His own elect” (v. 7).
b. Willing to hear. “which cry day and night to Him” (v. 7).
WHEN TO CONTINUE PRAYING
1. Because the Bible commands. “Praying always with all prayer” (Ephesians 6:12).
2. Because you have a request. “In everything by prayer and supplication ... let your request be made known” (Philippians 4:6).
3. Because you are in this life. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
4. Because evil is all around. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always … that ye may escape” (Luke 21:36).
5. Because God is ready to answer. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He hear long with them?” (18:7).
6. Because my attitude is not right. “Ye shall seek Me and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:13).
7. Willing to answer. The word “avenge” does not mean retribution, i.e., punishing those who wrong the believer. Avenge ekdikesis means vindication.
8. Why divine delay?
a. He hears when He waits.
b. His nature is to be patient and long-suffering with sinners, even those who persecute Christians.
c. He already has made a decision to judge so He is not ignoring you. He is abiding by His decision.
d. He will do something in the future.
e. He waits to strength your faith. “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth” (18:8). Faith is “the faith,” i.e., the body of faith in which we trust, “the faith once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
TEN LESSONS ON PRAYER
1. Pray in face of danger. “Of mine adversary.”
2. Pay when help is deferred. “He would not for a while.”
3. Pray in face of Divine delay. “Though He (God) hears long.”
4. Pray when you are discouraged. “Not to faint” means “lose heart.”
5. Pray seeking help. “…of my adversary.”
6. Pray repeatedly.
7. Pray continual. “…her continual coming.”
8. Pray with right motives. “Avenge me,” not punish him.
9. Pray because of obligation. “Men ought …”
10. Pray to God’s face. “Pray” proseuchomai from pros = toward, and eucho, respect or appearance, i.e., face.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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