The persistent widow - O le finau maua’i a le fafine ua oti lana tane

Scripture Focus: Luka 18:1-17

He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’” The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Won’t God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
- Luke 18:1-17 (WEB)

Study:

This passage presents us with two parables and a teaching about children, all underscored by the theme of persistent faith. The first parable is about a persistent widow who continually appeals to an unjust judge for justice. Despite his lack of fear of God or respect for people, the judge responds simply because of her persistence. Jesus uses this story to highlight that if even an unrighteous judge grants justice due to persistence, how much more will a loving and just God respond to His chosen ones who cry out to Him continually. This sets a foundation for perseverance in prayer and trust in God's justice.

The second parable contrasts two men praying in the temple: a self-righteous Pharisee and a repentant tax collector. The Pharisee's prayer is filled with pride and comparison, noting his religious observances. The tax collector, on the other hand, humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for mercy. Jesus teaches that humility before God is what justifies a person, not outward religiosity or self-exaltation.

The passage concludes with Jesus welcoming little children as examples of the kind of humility and faith needed to enter the Kingdom of God. The combined message calls believers to persistent prayer, genuine humility, and childlike faith.

Application:

In today's world, it is easy to become discouraged and stop praying when answers seem delayed. The persistent widow reminds us to keep faith alive and continue bringing our needs and petitions before God without giving up. God's justice is sure, and He is attentive to those who call upon Him genuinely.

Moreover, the Pharisee and tax collector parable teaches us to examine our hearts honestly. Are we like the Pharisee, relying on our performance and pride, or like the humble tax collector, recognizing our need for God's mercy? True faith requires humility and surrender, acknowledging that we cannot earn God's grace through our works but only receive it through repentance and trust.

Finally, the welcome of children reminds us that faith requires simplicity, trust, and openness. Embracing these qualities in our spiritual lives will help us grow closer to God and receive His Kingdom.

Reflection Questions:

• How persistent am I in prayer when God seems silent?
• Do I approach God with humility or pride?
• What might I be holding onto that prevents me from fully trusting God?
• In what ways can I cultivate childlike faith in my daily walk with God?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to persist in prayer and to trust in Your timing and justice. Teach me humility, so I may come before You with a sincere and repentant heart. Grant me the faith of a child that I might receive Your Kingdom and walk in Your grace every day. Amen.

Tags: persistent prayer, humility, faith, Luke 18, widow parable, prayer perseverance, God's justice, childlike faith, repentance, Bible study