Parable of the Persistent Widow

Parables of Jesus Series

A parable is a story taken from real life or a common situation in life in order to make a spiritual point. Jesus told parables to teach truth to open hearts and challenge resistant ones.

Parable of the Persistent Widow - Luke 18:1-8

A widow who has no leverage, no power, no status or influence is persistent to get justice for her life from a judge. The judge does not care, but because she will not take “No” for an answer, he eventually gives her justice.

Persistence: Continue firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Enduring over a long period of time.

In Luke 11:5-7 Jesus tells a similar parable: A guest arrives late at night to a man’s house. Because the man doesn’t have any food to give his guest, he runs to his friend’s house with bold persistence to get some food. The friend gives him food not because they are friends but because he is shamelessly audacious in his request.

Jesus reveals to us the progression of persistent prayer in Luke 11:9-10
 

1. 1. Ask and you shall receive

- Persistent prayer produces humility.

- God can do more than all we ask, think, or imagine.

1. 2. Seek and you shall find

- Persisten prayer brings alignment.

- It's not just about asking for something but searching for the Father who answers.

1. 3. Knock and the door will be opened to you

- Persistent prayer increases faith.

- This is the image of standing at closed door and refusing to leave.

What does Persistent prayer produce in our lives?

1. 1. It deepens your dependence on the Father

- The ultimate gift isn’t just provision, it’s God’s presence.

1. 2. It clarifies your real needs

- We can ask for things we cannot provide in our own strength.

1. 3. It confronts your faulty beliefs about God

- Do we really believe that God works all things together for good?

1. 4. It produces enduring faith

- Faith is not measured by emotional highs or striving to receive but by whether we are still asking, seeking, and knocking.

Our heavenly Father is the exact opposite of the unjust judge and the irritated neighbors in these parables.

Zeph 3:17 NLT

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

We can always pray to our Father and never give up because He will always answer our prayers.

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