Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

Always Pray (The Parable of the Persistent Widow)

There are only a few parables in which the meaning is given before the parable is told. Although parables can have multiple interpretations and various subpoints, there is always one main idea that Jesus wants to convey. In the case of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, the main point is about prayer and how we should “always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1, ESV).

Why is this important? Why would Jesus need to share this parable to remind us to pray?

Jesus is fully God and man; therefore, He is aware of how easy it can be to get busy, distracted, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the circumstances of life.

His intention is not to shame or condemn people for an inconsistent or lackluster prayer life. His tone is invitational, encouraging people to view prayer as a joy and a privilege. Prayer is where we reconnect and commune with our loving Father, seek guidance, express our needs, confess our sins, find comfort, gain strength, and experience peace.

Paul expands this truth in Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus’ Parable of the Persistent Widow is a contrast parable. He shows that there is no earthly example that can come close to capturing the perfect nature and character of God.

The picture He paints is a courtroom of justice. Before a judge stands a desperate widow, unable to support herself. The judge is an insensitive, hard-hearted man, unsympathetic toward the woman’s plight. The judge opposes the single most important command: to love God and love others.

The widow relentlessly begs for justice from an unknown adversary. After refusing her multiple times, the judge gives in because she is a nuisance to him.

The judge in the story essentially says, “If someone as unjust as myself is willing to render justice, how much more will God, your loving Father, give to you when you cry out to Him?”

God comes quickly to the aid of His children, and this is confirmed throughout Scripture in other places.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV) says our confidence rests in the fact that we can come day or night “to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus wants us to know that it is not the content or composition of our prayers that matter; the important thing is that we pray. Prayer is faith, knowing God will move in compassion and joyfully shower us with boundless grace and mercy whenever we come to Him.

Prayer is an indispensable part of our friendship with the Lord. If we practice a lifestyle of prayer, we are anchored against life’s most vicious storms. We do not have to learn how to pray or turn to prayer only when things get difficult because we will already have an established rhythm of talking to Jesus and the ability to hear and know His voice that guides us in every way.

When we neglect prayer, our trust in God’s perfect, unchanging character begins to wane. This leaves us vulnerable, spiritually distant, and easily tossed about by life’s difficulties and fleeting opinions of culture. Prayer reminds us of what is true and helps us remain faithful to the end.

Prayer

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. (Psalm 17:6, ESV)

Jesus, I thank You that You are attentive and caring to hear and answer my prayers. I give You the things that are on my heart and trust that You will lead me through them. Amen.