The Parable of the Persistent Widow: A Call to Unwavering Prayer
In the eighteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, our Lord Jesus Christ presents a profound parable designed to teach His disciples a vital truth about prayer. The passage begins with an explicit declaration of its purpose: "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" (Luke 18:1). This parable, commonly known as "The Parable of the Persistent Widow" or "The Parable of the Unjust Judge," serves as a powerful illustration of the effectiveness of unwavering prayer and the righteous character of God, in stark contrast to the world's fallen nature.
The Characters: An Unjust Judge and a Persistent Widow
Jesus introduces two central figures, each representing a contrasting reality. First, there is a judge described with chilling brevity:
Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
This portrayal immediately establishes the judge's character as utterly devoid of moral compass. He possessed no reverence for God, the ultimate authority, nor any respect or compassion for his fellow human beings. His decisions were not swayed by divine law or human need, but likely by self-interest, bribery, or sheer caprice. He was an embodiment of worldly injustice, a picture of authority corrupted and devoid of righteousness.
In stark contrast to this figure, Jesus presents a widow. Widows in ancient society were often among the most vulnerable, lacking the protection and provision typically afforded by a husband. This particular widow was facing an adversary, and she sought justice from this unrighteous judge. Her plea was simple and direct: "Avenge me of mine adversary." (Luke 18:3). She had no power, no influence, and no means to compel the judge other than her sheer persistence.
The Judge's Indifference and the Widow's Unwavering Plea
Initially, the judge showed no inclination to hear her case or grant her request. For a time, he "would not" (Luke 18:4). His indifference was rooted in his character: he feared no God, so he felt no divine compulsion to do right; he regarded no man, so he felt no human sympathy for her plight. He was a law unto himself, insulated by his position and his callous heart.
However, the widow was not deterred. She understood that her only recourse was relentless appeal. She came to him, not once or twice, but continually. Her persistence became a force that, though seemingly weak, began to wear down the judge's resolve. The judge himself acknowledges her tenacity:
And 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.
The Greek word translated "weary me" (κοπάζω - *kopazō*) carries the sense of striking under the eye, giving a black eye, or literally "bruising" or "wearing out." It implies that her persistent appeals were not merely annoying but physically exhausting or metaphorically "beating him down." He yielded, not out of justice, compassion, or fear of God, but purely to avoid the continued annoyance and trouble she caused him. His motive was entirely selfish and pragmatic: to gain personal peace from her relentless pursuit.
God's Righteousness Versus the Judge's Injustice
Having laid out this earthly scenario, Jesus then draws the profound spiritual application, contrasting the unrighteous judge with the righteous and loving God:
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?
The logic is an argument from the lesser to the greater. If an unrighteous, selfish, and indifferent judge can be moved by mere persistence to grant justice, how much more will the righteous, loving, and omnipotent God hear and answer the prayers of His chosen ones? God is not like the unjust judge. He is characterized by:
- Righteousness: Unlike the judge who feared not God, our Heavenly Father is the epitome of justice and truth. He always does what is right and upholds His covenant promises.
- Love and Compassion: He regards His elect, His chosen people, with infinite love and compassion. He does not view their cries as an annoyance but as the heartfelt pleas of His children.
- Omnipotence: He has all power to act on behalf of His people, unlike the judge who might have been limited by external factors or his own sloth.
The question, "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?" (Luke 18:7), emphasizes God's active involvement and care for His people. The phrase "though he bear long with them" acknowledges that God's timing may not align with our immediate desires. There may be delays, trials, or periods of waiting, but this does not imply indifference on God's part. Rather, it speaks to His perfect sovereignty and eternal plan, which often involves testing and strengthening our faith.
God's Speedy Vengeance and the Call to Faith
Jesus emphatically states, "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily." (Luke 18:8). This "speedily" must be understood from God's eternal perspective, not necessarily our finite human timeline. For God, a thousand years are as a day (2 Peter 3:8). "Speedily" means certainly and at the appointed, perfect time. It assures us that God will indeed act, and when He does, His action will be swift and decisive according to His will. This promise is a comfort to those who feel oppressed or long for justice, reminding them that God sees and will respond.
The parable concludes with a poignant and challenging question: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). This question shifts the focus from God's faithfulness to humanity's. Despite God's unwavering character and His promise to answer, will His people maintain their faith and persistence in prayer until Christ's return? Will they continue to believe in His justice and His timing, even when faced with delays, difficulties, or the apparent triumph of injustice in the world? This is a call to enduring faith, a faith that does not faint or grow weary in well doing, even when the answer seems long in coming.
Lessons for Believers
The Parable of the Persistent Widow offers several crucial lessons for every believer:
Conclusion
The Parable of the Persistent Widow is a timeless testament to the power of persistent prayer and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It calls us away from a casual approach to prayer and towards a fervent, unceasing cry to our Heavenly Father. Though the world may be filled with injustice and indifference, our God is righteous, loving, and attentive to the cries of His elect. May we be found among those who, when the Son of man cometh, still possess unyielding faith, always praying and never fainting, confident that our just God will indeed avenge His own speedily.