Luke 18:1-8
These first three pericopes in this chapter are all held together by being utterly dependent on God. Luke tells us what the parable means: to keep praying and don’t give up.
Jesus’ followers would have been hearing about the hard times coming, the persecution, and wondering, “how are we going to endure?” Luke’s answer is to persist in prayer.
The widow had no recourse, no help in getting justice; no husband or son, no money to bribe, no clout to pressure. This was a Roman judge and the story is the picture of oppression.
The widow is persistent in asking for justice. Is what I’m praying for selfish? Is it vengeance or justice?
Side note: Be countercultural. 2 Cor 8:21
Where you work is your sacred place of ministry. Bring the Kingdom of God to your environment.
The power of this parable is in contrast not comparison. We read this as if we have to annoy God enough for Him to answer us. If a wicked judge can be badgered into responding how much more will our good and just God answer us when we pray. One tradition of the rabbis was to limit how often they pray so they don’t irritate and burden God. Jesus corrects this thinking. He invites us to persist in prayer. If something stresses you out, keep talking to God about it till he answers or you die. Our endurance in hardship is tied up in continuing to pray.
What about the part that says God will surely answer speedily and that isn’t our experience?
We wouldn’t need the encouragement to keep praying if God was going to answer immediately.
Vs 7 Kai- usually “and” in Greek. There are at least 160 instances in the Bible where it can be “even though.”
Makrothomy- patiently endure, long suffering, forbearing. This is in the present perfect indicative. Not a question and not future tense.
Even though the Son of Man patiently endures with us through suffering to the end and when he comes justice will be given suddenly and completely. He is talking about His return. Even if you die without getting your answer, when Jesus returns everything will be made right instantly.