Luke 18:1–8
Persistent prayer reveals faith in the coming righteous Judge.
1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,
2 saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man.
3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
4 He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’ ”
6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.
7 Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Persistent prayer reveals faith in the coming righteous Judge.
To encourage persistent prayer rooted in faith as believers await divine vindication at the coming of the Son of Man.
Following the teaching on the Son of Man’s return (17:20–37), this parable explains how disciples are to live faithfully during the interim period.
Persistent Faith, Humble Mercy, and the King on the Road to Jerusalem
The kingdom is received by persistent, humble, dependent, surrendered faith in the Son of David who goes to Jerusalem to suffer, rise, and give sight to the blind.