Luke 17, 18

Read: Luke 17, 18

Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.“

Think

Imagine sitting with Jesus as he speaks about the challenges his followers will face. Though he is addressing people accustomed to Roman oppression, his words still resonate with us today.

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to illustrate the power of continual prayer. God uses the first verse to set the stage, showing that prayer is essential. Prayer sets the stage for our spiritual strength and resilience, so we won’t lose heart or give up waiting for his return.

In the parable, Jesus tells us about a widow who keeps pleading with an indifferent judge for justice. Despite his lack of concern, her persistence pays off, and he grants her request just to get her off his back. Jesus isn't comparing God to this unjust judge. Instead, he’s showing us that if even an unjust judge can be moved by persistent requests, how much more will our loving Father respond to us? Jesus wants us to pray continually and not lose heart, reassuring us that God hears our prayers and will bring justice (Luke 18:7).

This message is echoed in James 5:16: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." The threat to our faith isn't just from outside persecution but from the daily grind of life that can dull our spiritual senses. To keep our faith and love alive, we need to be steadfast in prayer. Keep praying. Don’t give up.

Apply

At the end of this parable, Jesus asks a striking question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). This question hits home. Do we pray persistently, with faith? Or, do we give up when we don’t get a quick answer? What is it you need to begin consistently praying for today?

Pray

Heavenly Father, help me stay focused on you and not get distracted by the pressures of daily life. Thank you for hearing my prayers. Strengthen my faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.