In the parable, Jesus begins by describing an unjust judge who neither feared God nor respected people. In the same city, there was a widow who came to the judge repeatedly, seeking justice against her adversary. The judge initially refused to grant her request, but because the widow persisted in coming before him, he eventually relented and granted her justice, saying that he did so because he didn’t want her to wear him out with her continual requests. Christ draws a contrast between the unjust judge and God, emphasizing that if even an unjust judge would eventually grant justice to a persistent widow, how much more would God, who is just and compassionate, hear and answer the prayers of His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night. Jesus concludes by asking if He will find faith on the earth when He returns. This parable serves as an encouragement to believers to persevere in prayer, trusting that God hears their petitions and will bring about justice in the proper time as it pertains to His Will and Glory. It teaches that persistence in prayer is a reflection of trust in God’s character, and it highlights the contrast between human indifference and God’s loving response to those who seek Him continuously.
Parable of the Persistent Widow Meaning
The Parable of the Persistent Widow meaning can be found in Luke 18:1-8:
Luke 18:1-8
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
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