The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Introduction:

Luke 18:1-8 tells us that the Persistent Widow refused to lose focus regarding her desire for justice until she attained what she had asked for, even with the struggle of her difficult situation.

This parable shows us that our persistence in praying is essential to make our requests known unto God.

Luke 18:1–8 (NASB95)

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.

“There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’

“For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ”

And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Key Verse: Luke 18:1 (NIV): “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

I. Purposeful Decision

A. We must maintain continually praying, like the Persistent Widow

- Luke 18:3a (NIV) "And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary."

B. We must show relentless persistence, as the widow did.

- Luke 18:5 (NIV) “Yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!"

C. Demonstrate a Purposefulness To Never Give Up Like the Persistent Widow

- Luke 18:7 (NIV) "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?"

II. Dependence on God's Will

A. We must recognize and admit our need for help.

- Luke 18:4 – 5a (NIV) "For some time, he refused. But finally, he said to himself, 'Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice."

B. Surrender To God's Will instead of Success under Our Superficial Plans

Luke 18:6 – 7a(NIV) "And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?"

C. Approve on God's Timing and Answer to Discern His Will

- Luke 18:8a (NIV) "I tell you. He will see that they get justice, and quickly."

III. Deliberate Motivation

A. Keep coming to God

- Luke 18:2 (NIV): "And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary."

B. Don’t give up, even under difficulty

- Luke 18:7b (NIV): "Will he keep putting them off?

C. Stand on Our Faith and Keep Seeking God

- Luke 18:8b (NIV): "However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Conclusion: The qualities exhibited by the Persistent Widow - Purposeful Decision, Dependence on God's Will and Deliberate Motivation- enabled her to obtain mercy and partiality from mankind and to plead for success from the court.