Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge: A Lesson in Trusting God
“1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?””
In this parable, Jesus illustrates the relationship between God and His people through the example of an unjust judge who neither fears God nor respects people, and a persistent widow who repeatedly comes to him to seek justice. The unjust judge, indifferent to both God and man, abuses his power, acting only out of self-interest. The widow, powerless and with nowhere else to turn, persistently approaches the judge, seeking help.
However, the core of this message isn’t about the widow's persistence in pressing the unjust judge. Unlike the unjust judge, God delights in His chosen ones and listens to their prayers with joy. He has a special relationship with His people, caring for those who seek Him with love and justice.
Thus, when we pray, the heart of our prayers should not be about trying to obtain answers through persistence or effort alone. Instead, our prayers should be rooted in trust, resting in God’s goodness and love. At the conclusion of this parable, Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This underscores the significance of genuine trust and faith in God as essential elements of our spiritual life.
Prayer: Lord, help us walk the path of faith in this world. Guard us from being swept away by the injustices and indifference of this world, and keep us from falling into the folly of drifting away from You and using others as mere tools. We acknowledge our weaknesses and rely on Your goodness, praying in trust. Help me, Lord, to remember that You love me and have saved me, so that I may pray today with hope in my heart. Shield our weary hearts from worldly ways, and strengthen us with Your grace and patience so that we can hold onto faith.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
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