The Persistent Widow

Illustration of The Persistent Widow

In this parable Jesus teaches his disciples the necessity of persistent prayer by depicting a widow who continually appeals to an unjust judge for protection against her adversary. Though the judge fears neither God nor man, her unrelenting pleas finally move him to grant her justice simply to avoid further trouble. The account underscores that the righteous God will surely avenge his elect who cry out to him day and night, calling believers to humble endurance rather than faint-heartedness as they await his kingdom.

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Category: Prayer & Humility

Meaning: God will bring justice for His people who cry out to Him persistently. Never give up in prayer.

Audience: Disciples

Key Passages

The Parable

Luke 18:1-8

A1nd 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?

Related

Characters

Life Situations

Did You Know?

1

The widow kept coming to the unjust judge until he finally gave her justice just to get rid of her.

2

Jesus says if even an unjust judge will respond to persistent asking, how much more will God respond to His children?

3

The parable is specifically about not losing heart in prayer.