He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'” The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Won’t God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8 WEB)
Even the unjust judge defended the widow after he was worn down by her persistence. How much more will the Only Wise God hear his people who always pray and never give up. God will surely give justice! Let’s consider the contrasts described in this parable.
- A judge who neither feared God nor cared about people vs a God who loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten son to die on the cross for our salvation (What is the gospel?)
- A helpless widow who had no legal standing vs children of God who can boldly come to the throne of grace (Whosoever will may come)
- Wearing down an unjust judge with continual requests vs living a faithful life that always prays in surrender to a loving God (3 requirements for effectual fervent prayer: ask, seek, knock)
Always pray and never give up
When Jesus explains a parable, we should believe him. He said this parable was to teach us that we must always pray and not give up. We all have heart aches and tribulation. We all need help from God. So always pray and never give up.
speedily] in reality (2 Peter 3:8) though not in semblance.
shall he find faith on the earth?] Rather, shall He find this faith on the earth? So St Peter tells of scoffers in the last days who shall say “Where is the promise of His coming?” 2 Peter 3:3-4; and before that day “the love of many shall wax cold,” Matthew 24:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Even the faith of God’s elect will in the last days be sorely tried (Matthew 24:22). –Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges