Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Importunate Widow, also known as the Parable of the Persistent Widow or the Parable of the Unjust Judge, is a teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is a profound illustration of the necessity of persistent prayer and unwavering faith in God's justice. It is recorded in Luke 18:1-8.Context and Setting The parable is introduced with a clear purpose: "Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). This introduction sets the stage for understanding the parable as a lesson on the importance of perseverance in prayer. Jesus addresses His disciples, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and prayer life, especially in the face of adversity and delay. The Characters 1. The Widow: In the cultural context of the time, widows were often vulnerable and without means of support. The widow in this parable represents those who are marginalized and powerless, yet she is depicted as determined and persistent. Her repeated appeals for justice highlight her resilience and faith in seeking what is rightfully hers. 2. The Unjust Judge: The judge in the parable is described as one "who neither feared God nor respected men" (Luke 18:2). This characterization underscores his lack of moral integrity and indifference to justice. Despite his unrighteousness, he eventually grants the widow's request, not out of compassion or duty, but to avoid being worn out by her persistence. The Parable The widow persistently approaches the judge, demanding justice against her adversary. Despite his initial refusal, her relentless appeals eventually lead the judge to act on her behalf. He reasons, "Even though I do not fear God or respect men, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests" (Luke 18:4-5). Interpretation and Themes 1. Persistence in Prayer: The primary lesson of the parable is the power of persistent prayer. Jesus encourages His followers to continue praying and not lose heart, even when answers seem delayed. The widow's perseverance serves as a model for believers to remain steadfast in their petitions to God. 2. God's Justice: Unlike the unjust judge, God is righteous and compassionate. Jesus contrasts the judge's reluctance with God's willingness to bring about justice for His chosen ones. He assures His disciples, "Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?" (Luke 18:7). This rhetorical question emphasizes God's readiness to respond to the prayers of His people. 3. Faith and Expectation: The parable concludes with a poignant question from Jesus: "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8). This question challenges believers to examine their faith and trust in God's promises. It serves as a reminder that persistent prayer is an expression of faith and expectation in God's ultimate justice and intervention. Application The Parable of the Importunate Widow encourages believers to approach God with confidence and persistence, trusting in His character and timing. It reassures Christians that God hears their cries and will act justly on their behalf. The parable also calls for self-examination of one's faith and commitment to prayer, urging believers to remain faithful and hopeful as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:1-8And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the ... So Much for the Prophetic Scriptures in the Gospels, Christ's ... The Importunate Widow. The Four-Fold Gospel The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Index. Prayer and Importunity From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. The Five Books Against Marcion "Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ... Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Parables of Aholah and Aholibah Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces Parables of the Prisoner of War Parables of the Skins Filled With Wine Parables of the Thistle and Cedar Parables of the Woman of Tekoa Parables: Parables of Christ: Barren Fig-Tree Parables: Parables of Christ: Beam and Mote Parables: Parables of Christ: Blind Leading the Blind Parables: Parables of Christ: Builder of a Tower Parables: Parables of Christ: Children of the Bride Chamber Parables: Parables of Christ: Cloud and Wind Parables: Parables of Christ: Creditor and Debtors Parables: Parables of Christ: Faithful, and Evil Servants Parables: Parables of Christ: Fig-Tree Leafing Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Samaritan Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd Parables: Parables of Christ: House, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Friend Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Widow Parables: Parables of Christ: King Going to War Parables: Parables of Christ: Kingdom, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Labourers Hired Parables: Parables of Christ: Leaven Parables: Parables of Christ: Lighted Candle Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Piece of Silver Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Sheep Parables: Parables of Christ: Man of the House Watching Parables: Parables of Christ: Man Taking a Far Journey Parables: Parables of Christ: Marriage-Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Meats Defiling Not Parables: Parables of Christ: Men Bidden to a Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Mustard-Seed Parables: Parables of Christ: Net Cast Into the Sea Parables: Parables of Christ: New Cloth and Old Garment Parables: Parables of Christ: New Wine and Old Bottles Parables: Parables of Christ: Pearl of Great Price Parables: Parables of Christ: Pharisee and Publican Parables: Parables of Christ: Pounds Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Fool Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Man and Lazarus Parables: Parables of Christ: Savour of Salt Parables: Parables of Christ: Seed Growing Secretly Parables: Parables of Christ: Sower Parables: Parables of Christ: Strong Man Armed Parables: Parables of Christ: Talents Parables: Parables of Christ: Tares Parables: Parables of Christ: Ten Virgins Parables: Parables of Christ: Treasure Hid in a Field Parables: Parables of Christ: Tree and Its Fruit Parables: Parables of Christ: Two Sons Parables: Parables of Christ: Unclean Spirit Parables: Parables of Christ: Unjust Steward Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant Parables: Parables of Christ: Vine and Branches Parables: Parables of Christ: Wicked Husbandmen Parables: Parables of Christ: Wise and Foolish Builders Parables: Remarkable Parables of the Old Testament Parables: The Mercenary Soldier Parables: The Sheet Lowered Down from the Sky (In Peter's Vision) Related Terms |
    |