And he spoke a parable unto them To his own disciples, as the Ethiopic version reads, in order to encourage them to prayer, with perseverance in it; since such sore times of trial and affliction were coming upon the Jews, of which he had spoken in the preceding chapter; and such times more especially call for prayer; see ( Psalms 50:15) LUKE 18:1. Indeed, verse 8 … Luke 18:1 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Luke 18:1, NIV: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." The other instance is the next parable (18:9-14). In what way is God like an unjust judge? Jesus’ parable falls near the end of his journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–19:27) and immediately follows his teaching about the coming of God’s kingdom and the end times (Luke 17:20-37). The widow's earnestness prevailed even with the unjust judge: she might fear lest it should set him more against her; … First Reading. In the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), a poor, powerless person (the widow) persists in nagging a corrupt, powerful person (the judge) to do justice for her. Luke 18:1. Commentary on Luke 18:1-8 (Read Luke 18:1-8) All God's people are praying people. This parable and the one that follows are the only ones where the purpose of the parable is given up front. Commentary on Luke 18:1-8. October 20, 2013. Prayer is important in Luke’s Gospel. Here earnest steadiness in prayer for spiritual mercies is taught. Answer: The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1–8) is part of a series of illustrative lessons Jesus Christ used to teach His disciples about prayer. 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (18:1) Verse 1 starts with "Then." i. William Barclay points out there is a difference in the ancient Greek words used to describe the action of the blind man in Luke 18:38 and 18:39, and show the blind man’s great desperation. The parable assumes John the Baptist’s teaching that holding a position of power and leadership obligates you to work justly, especially on behalf of the poor and weak. The story of Jacob’s wrestling with the angel provides an embarrassment of riches for homiletical possibilities. Jesus knew that and that’s why He told this parable (18:1). Luke introduces this lesson as a parable meant to show the disciples “that they should always pray and never give up” … The meaning is the same in 2 Cor. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. Despite his shift to the topic of prayer in Luke … Continue reading "Commentary on Luke 18:1-8" In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus provides us with a parable about the necessity of persistent prayer. Luke 18:1, KJV: "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" Always Pray and Don't Give Up (Luke 18:1) "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." He knew that Jesus was the Son of David, meaning the Messiah, and kept shouting for His mercy. 4:1: Paul will not let any difficulties cause him to fail or grow weary. Commentary on Luke 18:1-8. Commentary on Genesis 32:22-31. In Luke 18:1, just after the apocalyptic discourse in Luke 17, the point is obviously that, with a view to the end, the disciples should not grow slack in prayer. Gospel. Notice that this teaching on prayer follows directly on Jesus' teaching on the coming of the Son of Man. Luke 18:1, ESV: "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." THE NEED TO PRAY AND NOT TO GIVE UP. 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