What does Luke 18:5 teach about God's response to persistent faith?

Text Under the Microscope

“yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.” (Luke 18:5)

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Setting the Scene

• Jesus has just introduced the parable “to show that they should always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

• The judge in the story is unjust, indifferent to God and people, while the widow is powerless yet persistent.

• Luke 18:5 captures the turning point—the reluctant judge finally acts.

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Key Observations from Luke 18:5

• Reluctant justice: The judge doesn’t act from compassion; he acts because he’s “worn out.”

• Unrelenting petition: The widow’s continual approach is the human centerpiece of the verse.

• Certain outcome: “I will give her justice.” Persistence results in an answer.

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What Persistent Faith Looks Like

• Continual coming—no long gaps of silence (cf. Luke 11:8, “because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs”).

• Single-minded focus—she wants justice, nothing less.

• Boldness—she approaches an unfriendly authority without fear.

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God’s Character by Contrast

• If an unjust judge can be moved, “will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).

• God is not annoyed or reluctant; He “delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18).

• He “rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

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Scripture Echoes

• Matthew 7:7-8—“Ask, and it will be given to you… For everyone who asks receives.”

• 1 John 5:14-15—confidence that “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

• James 5:16—“The prayer of a righteous man has great power and produces wonderful results.”

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Practical Takeaways

• Keep praying when answers delay; delay is not denial.

• Approach God with confidence, not apology—He invites persistence.

• Align requests with God’s righteous character; justice and mercy are His delight.

• Expect Him to act “speedily” (Luke 18:8) in His perfect timing, not from reluctance but from covenant love.