A Lesson About Persitance in Prayer
Notes
Transcript
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
What do you notice about the description of the Judge?
The Judge did not fear God, nor regard man. In Jewish times there was the Supreme court, which was the Sanhedrin, but also lower religious courts in each of the major towns. As well as these religious courts there was also a Roman appointed civil magistrate that looked after Caesar's interest. These judges were paid large salaries from the Temple coffers and were usually unbelieving gentiles. The official title was a “Prohibition Judge.” In Aramaic you only have to change one letter to turn the title prohibition judge into robber-judge, which is emblematic of how the Jews felt about these judges.
Why was the other character in this parable a Widow? Why did Jesus choose her?
Old Testament Widow = mercy. Regardless of the merit of the case the Widow should have been taken care of. Yet the parable implies she not only was a widow, but had a legitimate legal claim to be defrauded. She came again and again asking for justice. Literally she is asking the judge to “Vindicate her!”
What is your main takeaway(s) from this lesson? What do you want to take to heart as you go forward?
This parable comes on the heals of the Jesus talking about the coming of the kingdom, and there is not indication that chapter 18 is a break in the narrative nor a change in audience. Thus Christ is telling his disciples that despite what is happening in the world they need to continue to pray persistently until his return. If you need more evidence to support that this is a parable about the second coming, look no further than verse 8 where Christ asks:
8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Have you ever lost heart when praying? Why do you think this happened?
The world today looks dark, as it did in Noah’s day.
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.
Yet we are called to have hope, what aspects of our lives give us Hope?
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
What gives you courage as you go to God in Prayer?
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
What, if anything, hinders you from praying boldly?
Are we faithfully praying for His return?
Why is it impossible to live the Christian life faithfully except in light of the Second Coming?
Do you have a habit of praying for Christ to return? Why or why not?
How eager are you for Christ to return? Is it something you think about a lot, or are you busy with what you have on your plate in this life?
How is God different that the judge in this parable?
How will God “avenge” the elect who cry out to Him?
How does it benefit us to have to keep praying with persistence and passion instead of getting answers to our prayers right away?
How does it benefit us to have to keep praying with persistence and passion instead of getting answers to our prayers right away?
What are some things you will do to apply what you’ve learned?