The parables of Jesus are well known among us, some perhaps better than others, one of the lesser known ones being in Luke 18. The reason for the parable being used is revealed in the first verse, which is a great help in understanding the words that Jesus proceeds to use.
The parable was “to the end that men ought always to pray and not to faint”, and, if we wish to apply its message to us : “To the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart”. With this in mind we can look at the details of the parable.
In the parable there are two principal characters, first the “judge”, who had no fear of God nor man, and secondly, the “widow”, who sought for vengeance. By means of the parable Jesus drew a contrast between two judges : one is “unrighteous”, for he has no fear of God nor man, and is only moved to action by selfish motives ; the other is long-suffering and plenteous in mercy.
The woman had besought the unjust judge for justice, as the R.V. notes point out, and he had brushed her aside ; but she was undaunted and her applications were “continual”. We can gain an insight into this commendable attitude by using a comparison with some words used by Jesus on another occasion (Mark 13) when, having spoken of those things to be borne for his name’s sake, he says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”. The idea of “enduring unto the end” is the “continual” quality found in the woman seeking for justice.
We may possibly see a connection of theme, too, when we consider the way in which the righteous judge responds, for of him it is said, “And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily”. Remembering the reason for this parable, “that men ought always to pray and not to lose heart”, we can readily appreciate that, to endure unto the end in seeking for salvation, it is necessary to continually pray, to approach by this means the judge who is just and who will bear with the seekers of justice in their needs.
The power of prayer is known to us from the records in God’s word, but do we appreciate the need to use this great privilege to the utmost ? In praying it is needful to cultivate the conviction that God can answer our prayer. The more our knowledge of God’s will and purpose grows so much the more shall we be convinced that God can, and will, answer our prayers.
Jesus uttered words of warning when, in the form of a question, he concluded this parable. The words he used have possibly been misapplied at times, though it should be noted that a connection does exist between the misapplication and the real purpose of the parable : “Howbeit, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find the faith on earth ?” Bearing in mind that Jesus had been speaking of prayers, and of the need to pray continually, we find that it is a question of whether we have faith in God’s ability to answer prayer, and upon that must depend the virility of the faith as we believe it in these last days. Let us, then, not lose heart but continue instant in prayer.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One