What is the meaning of Luke 18:2? In a certain town - Jesus begins the parable by anchoring it in real-world familiarity. Town life means everybody eventually comes before local authorities, so the lesson lands close to home (compare Luke 4:31; John 4:46). - By not naming the place, the Lord signals that this scenario could unfold anywhere, reminding us that earthly justice systems vary but human hearts remain similar (Ecclesiastes 5:8). there was a judge - Civil authority is God-ordained (Romans 13:1–4), yet the individual holding that authority can wield it well or poorly. - Judges were expected to apply the Law impartially (Deuteronomy 16:18–20). When that calling is ignored, the vulnerable suffer. - Christ purposely selects a judge instead of another official to highlight stark contrast: the one who should protect righteousness instead embodies its opposite (Isaiah 10:1–2). who neither feared God - Scripture teaches that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). This judge starts from the wrong foundation, so his decisions will naturally skew. - Absence of godly fear often precedes social breakdown (Psalm 36:1; Romans 3:18). - By introducing a godless official, Jesus sets up a dramatic backdrop for God’s faithfulness. If even this man can be moved by persistence, how much more will the righteous Judge respond to His people (Luke 18:7–8)? nor respected men - Disregard for people violates the second great commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). - Isaiah condemned leaders who “turn aside the needy” (Isaiah 10:2). The judge’s callousness echoes that indictment. - Without reverence for God or regard for people, justice becomes self-serving. Yet God can still use flawed instruments to achieve His purposes, proving His sovereignty (Genesis 50:20; Proverbs 16:4). summary Luke 18:2 paints a bleak picture: a godless, heartless judge presides over a town’s legal system. Jesus purposely chooses this extreme example to magnify two truths: human courts can fail, and persistent faith matters. If an unjust earthly judge can be swayed, believers may rest assured that the perfectly just Heavenly Judge hears and answers the cries of His elect. |
    |