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The purpose of Jesus’ parable is clearly stated in the first sentence of this passage: the need to pray always. No matter how grim our circumstances, we should never give up praying.
Whether we have prayed once, twice, or countless times, and even if we find ourselves disheartened, we need an attitude of persistence, girded by obedience, to pray again and again.The woman in this parable had three major liabilities that hindered her from obtaining justice. First, she was poor and could not afford to pay a bribe to the corrupt judge. Second, she was a woman. Women in first-century Palestine were second-class citizens, little better off than slaves, and had no power, authority, or influence. Third, she was a widow. In legal or public matters, a married woman’s husband would have to speak for her; a widow could not act as her own advocate.
Blinded by his corruption, the judge was cold and calculating and refused to recognize the woman’s plight. In view of her predicament, it would be perfectly logical to conclude that obtaining justice in this case would be nearly impossible. But Jesus challenges his listeners to consider that perfect logic could mask imperfect faith. Faith looks beyond what is seen and heard and persists with a desire of what can be. Jesus then offers the prescription for hope in the face of a hopeless dilemma. When we have made every effort within our power to correct a situation and its solution is beyond our control, we can surrender the burden and turn it over to God through persistent prayer.
The habit of persistent prayer takes the focus off the obstacle (in this case, the unjust judge) and places it on the solution (our just God). The judge of corruption and the God of justice are a study in contrasts. The judge cannot be trusted, is unjust, merciless, uncompassionate, and must be coerced or threatened to act. God can be trusted (see Psalm 62:8), is just (see Isaiah 45:21), is merciful (see Lamentations 3:22-23), and loves us unconditionally (see John 3:16).
The story also implies the following progression of spiritual growth: need causes us to pray, persistence in prayer strengthens our relationship with God, and intimacy with God leads to increased faith, which often results in a favorable answer to our prayer. Need is the primary motivator that drives us to God, whether it be illness, troubled relationships, job security, financial problems, or something else. We seek God and communicate our need through communal and personal prayer. Persistence in prayer breaks through the wall we sometimes build to distance ourselves from God and stirs a desire to be more deeply intimate with our creator. Intimacy with God is our love-response to his love-initiative and builds confidence, trust, and a strengthened faith. Answered prayer provides the courage to repeat the cycle when another need arises.
The final verses assure us that God will be our advocate when there is no one to defend our cause. He will surely and quickly hear and answer every prayer, for our good, in accord with his purpose and plan for our lives. We can rely on a loving God who has an eager, listening ear and a compassionate heart.
Questions for Reflection
1. Luke introduces Jesus’ parable by saying it is about their “need to pray always and not to lose heart” (18:1). How might this parable have helped Jesus’ listeners not to lose heart?
2. Why might Jesus have chosen to use a widow to make his point? What character traits does she exhibit in this parable?
3. What is the role of the unjust judge in this parable? Why do you think Jesus said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says” (18:6)?
4. What eventually motivated the judge to deliver a just decision in the woman’s favor? In what ways does the justice issued by the judge differ from God’s justice?
5. Jesus’ closing words in the parable are, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Why do you think he ended with such a question?