Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
What Does Luke 18:1-8 Mean?
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to encourage his followers to pray continually and never give up. The widow, seeking justice from an unjust judge, illustrates how persistence in prayer leads to answers. Jesus uses this story to teach about God’s willingness to respond to us, especially when we are persistent in faith. The parable highlights the importance of unwavering trust in God’s timing and justice.
Introduction: Understanding the Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8 is commonly known as the Parable of the Unjust Judge, but the focus of this passage is not actually on the judge. Instead, it is the widow’s persistence that Jesus highlights as a key lesson for His followers. This parable teaches the importance of unwavering prayer and trust in God’s perfect timing, especially when we feel like our requests are not being answered. Let’s dive deeper into this passage and explore its meaning for today
First, let’s think about why we often give up on prayer and do not persevere.
4 Obstacles to Persistent Prayer
People often want to give up on praying for something or someone because of a mix of frustration, doubt, and a sense of impatience. Here are a few key reasons why:
1. Unanswered Prayers: When prayers seem to go unanswered or don’t bring immediate results, it can be disheartening. Over time, it may feel as if God isn’t listening or doesn’t care, leading to a loss of hope or the desire to stop praying.
2. Timing and Patience: God’s timing isn’t always aligned with our own. Waiting for answers can feel like a test of endurance, and we may grow weary or frustrated when it feels like nothing is changing.
3. Discouragement and Doubt: Life’s challenges can cause doubt in God’s ability or willingness to intervene. When people face hardship or see no progress, it’s easy to question whether their prayers are making a difference.
4. Feelings of Being Overwhelmed: Sometimes, people become overwhelmed with life and may feel like praying is too much of an effort, especially when it seems like their circumstances won’t improve. Also, prayer involves our emotions and the feeling of hope. When we feel empty and exhausted, hope can feel like too much of a burden.
At the bottom of the FAQ, I have provided a list of books that I’ve found helpful regarding the topic and discipline of prayer. Stay strong in the Lord.
I preached a sermon about this topic from Luke 11 titled, “What is the Hope of Our Prayer?” which my congregation found very encouraging and helpful.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 18:1-8 and Commentary
Luke 18:1 - Pray and do not lose heart
“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.”
Jesus begins this passage by directly addressing the importance of perseverance in prayer. The phrase “pray always” suggests an ongoing, persistent practice of prayer—something that should not be done intermittently or out of duty, but as a continual expression of faith and dependence on God. “Not to lose heart” reveals that, at times, prayer can feel discouraging, especially when results seem delayed or God’s response unclear. Jesus acknowledges this human reality and encourages his followers to persist, even when the path seems long or difficult.
This opening verse sets the tone for the entire parable, drawing attention to the central theme: perseverance in prayer. It’s a call for believers not to grow weary in their communication with God, no matter how challenging life’s circumstances may become. The widow’s story will serve as the model for this type of prayer life—persistent, unwavering, and full of trust.
Luke 18:2-3
“He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.”’
I want to call something into focus. Many times, this parable is called “The Parable of the Unjust Judge,” which I think is an error. The focus of Jesus’ teaching is not the character of the judge but on the persistence of the widow. Jesus’ whole point is that God is NOT an unjust judge that is heartless and only acts in self-interest. By making the title about the unjust judge we switch the focus and the power dynamic. The power, Jesus insists, is not in the judges decision or passion (internal motivations), but is in persistence and trust in a God that is good, loving, and interested in us.
The parable begins with a description of the two central figures: an unjust judge and a persistent widow. The judge is portrayed as a man who has no regard for God or for people. He is not moved by moral or ethical considerations, but rather by his own self-interest. In contrast, the widow is in a vulnerable position, representing those who often face injustice without recourse, especially in a patriarchal society where women had limited legal rights.
The widow’s request is simple but urgent: she seeks justice against an opponent. This request reflects the struggles many face in the world today, where power and resources are often unequal, and the disadvantaged cry out for fairness. The widow’s persistence in seeking justice, despite the judge’s indifference, serves as a key lesson in the parable: a relentless pursuit of justice, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Luke 18:4-5
“For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’”
The judge’s initial refusal is significant. He represents the opposite of God’s character. While God is just, loving, and attentive, this judge is callous, and uninterested in doing what is right unless it serves his own interests. His decision to grant the widow justice is not because he has had a change of heart, but because her persistence has become an annoyance. The phrase “wear me out” suggests a literal idea of being physically exhausted or overwhelmed by the widow’s continued requests.
This part of the parable is meant to highlight the contrast between the unjust judge and God. While the judge grants justice out of sheer exhaustion, God, in contrast, always acts justly and swiftly. The widow’s persistence here teaches that believers should not give up in prayer, even when faced with apparent indifference or delays in God’s response.
Luke 18:6-7
“And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?’”
Jesus draws the contrast between the unjust judge and God. If even an unjust judge can eventually grant justice due to persistent requests, how much more will God, who is perfectly just and loving, respond to our cries and longings? The phrase “cry to him day and night” reflects the depth and consistency of our plea for justice, a reminder that God listens to our persistent cries.
The rhetorical question, “Will he delay long in helping them?” implies that God’s justice is not delayed indefinitely. While the timing of God’s response may seem long to us, it is always on time, and God’s actions are always in accordance with the perfect divine will. This reinforces the assurance that God is not indifferent to our needs but is working toward our ultimate good and justice.
Luke 18:8
“I tell you, he will quickly grant them justice. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’”
Jesus concludes the parable by emphasizing that God will indeed answer the people’s cries for justice quickly. The key word here is “quickly.” While God’s timing may not align with our own, there is a certainty in God’s response—when God acts, it will be decisive and thorough.
The second part of this verse, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” shifts the focus to the broader question of the quality of faith at the time of Jesus’ return. While God is faithful to answer our prayers, Jesus suggests that a lack of persistent faith might lead to discouragement and ultimately to a lack of faith when the Son of Man comes. This question challenges the audience to consider whether they will remain faithful and persistent in prayer, trusting that God will indeed bring justice.
Luke 18:1-8 Meaning for Today
Jesus’ parable about the persistent widow offers us a powerful lesson in the importance of perseverance in prayer. It reminds us that while the world may seem unjust, God hears the cries of the people and will bring justice in time. The unjust judge grants justice not out of moral obligation, but because of his annoyance; however, God’s justice is given out of love and faithfulness. This assures us that we can bring our needs and concerns before God without fear of being ignored or dismissed.
The parable also challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we persistent in our prayers, trusting that God will respond in perfect timing? Are we discouraged by delays or setbacks, or do we continue to trust that God will bring about justice? Jesus warns that when he returns, faithfulness will be the determining factor in how we are received. Therefore, this passage encourages us to cultivate a faith that endures, a faith that persists in prayer, trusting in God’s justice even when we cannot see immediate results.
In the face of injustice, whether personal or societal, this parable invites us to be like the widow—persistent, unwavering, and confident that God will eventually answer. As we wait for God’s justice, we are reminded to keep praying, keep trusting, and remain faithful to the One who will not fail to deliver on His promises.
FAQ:
What does Luke 18:1-8 mean?
Luke 18:1-8 teaches that we should always pray and never give up. Through the story of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, Jesus illustrates that God will surely respond to the prayers of His people, unlike the indifferent judge in the parable.
What is the lesson of the persistent widow?
The lesson is that persistence in prayer is essential. The widow’s unwavering determination to seek justice mirrors our call to continually seek God’s will through prayer, trusting that He will answer in His perfect timing.
Why does Jesus compare God to an unjust judge in Luke 18?
Jesus contrasts God’s just nature with the unjust judge to emphasize that, if even an unjust person will act out of persistence, God—who is just and loving—will surely answer the prayers of His people.
Books About Prayer
1. “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster
This book is a classic that covers various spiritual disciplines, including prayer. Foster explores how these disciplines can transform one’s life, providing a holistic approach to spiritual growth. His writing on prayer is particularly accessible and practical for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life. I’ve read and practiced the various forms in this book several times. Sometimes our needs call for differing forms of prayer.
2. “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home” by Richard Foster
Another excellent book by Foster, this work is a more focused look at prayer itself. He addresses the different kinds of prayer, including petition, intercession, and contemplative prayer. Foster’s deep spiritual insight and practical guidance make this book a great resource for anyone looking to grow in their prayer life.
3. “The Celebration of Prayer” by Ruth Haley Barton
Barton is another author who writes with clarity and depth on prayer. In this book, she offers a framework for deepening one’s prayer life. The book emphasizes listening prayer and the importance of solitude in developing a meaningful, lasting relationship with God.
4. “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence
This timeless spiritual classic is written by Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century Carmelite monk. The book is a collection of his writings and letters, where he shares his practice of “praying without ceasing” by constantly living in the awareness of God’s presence. His simple, yet profound, approach to prayer is a great inspiration for anyone seeking to integrate prayer into everyday life. I was introduced to this book and the concept of practicings God’s presence in seminary when I was in my early 20s. Decades later, it still resonates with me.
5. “A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World” by Paul E. Miller
In this book, Paul Miller addresses the challenges many face in developing a rich prayer life, particularly in our busy, distracted world. He offers practical advice for turning prayer into a natural, heartfelt conversation with God, making it both a discipline and a delight.
6. “The Power of a Praying Life” by Stormie Omartian
Stormie Omartian’s book focuses on the power of prayer in various aspects of life, offering practical prayers and biblical insights. This is an excellent book for those who want to be more intentional in their prayer life, especially in terms of interceding for others.
7. “Deepening Your Conversation with God: A Guide to Prayer” by Robert J. Morgan
This book is a great tool for understanding different types of prayer and how to deepen your connection with God. Morgan gives a thoughtful perspective on how prayer can become a transformative, powerful tool in one’s spiritual journey.
