"These [in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11
Light Mode
ShareShare this on FacebookPinterestWhatsAppEmailPrinter version

Luke 18:2-8 - Unjust Judge Parable:
God's Justice for His Elect Explained

(2) He said, In a certain city there was a judge who neither reverenced {and} feared God nor respected {or} considered man. (3) And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, Protect {and} defend {and} give me justice against my adversary. (4) And for a time he would not; but later he said to himself, Though I have neither reverence {or} fear for God nor respect {or} consideration for man, (5) Yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will defend {and} protect {and} avenge her, lest she give me intolerable annoyance {and} wear me out by her continual coming {or} at the last she come and rail on me {or} assault me {or} strangle me. (6) Then the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says! (7) And will not [our just] God defend {and} protect {and} avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He defer them {and} delay help on their behalf? (8) I tell you, He will defend {and} protect {and} avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [persistence in] faith on the earth?

Amplified® Bible copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org.

Jesus compares God, not with a good man, but with a godless man to emphasize the vast difference between this unjust judge and the righteous God. The conduct of the unjust judge exposes the chaotic and corrupt judgments in which he had prostituted himself. No one can compel him to do anything because he feels no regard for anyone, including God. He acts purely out of self-interest. Yet, if this unjust judge could avenge a widow whom he disdained, how much more will the righteous God avenge his elect (Jeremiah 11:20)?

This parable reveals God's willingness to hear and answer the supplications of His elect (Luke 18:7), responding when they are offered according to His will. The word "avenge" (verses 5, 7-8) implies the working out of His vengeance in justice, not in retaliation. If God's elect are wrongly treated, they can be sure of vindication. So, if the unjust judge because of a selfish irritation avenges a troublesome widow, how much more will the selfless God come to our aid? We can expect substantially better treatment from a God of lovingkindness than from a heartless judge.

The widow, who speaks only five words, does not prevail because of her persuasive plea but because of her persistence. Sometimes too many words reveal a scarcity of desire or a lack of purpose. Jesus tells us long prayers and useless repetitions will not make God hear us any better (Matthew 6:7). He already knows our needs (verse 8).

God has assured us that He hears and answers prayer. We must have the faith of Christ that God can provide what we need, enjoys hearing us ask according to His will, and desires to give us abundantly what we should have.

— Martin G. Collins

To learn more, see:
Parable of the Persistent Widow



 

Topics:

Parable of the Persistent Widow

Parable of the Unjust Judge

Perseverance

Persistence

Prayer

Prayer According to God's Purpose

Prayer, Growing Weary in

Prayer, Losing Heart in

Prayer, Persistence in

Praying According to God's Will

Vengeance




Back to top