The judge in the parable does not represent God. It’s the idea that those who are on your side and know your story can come to support you through prayer, words of encouragement, and by physically coming to your aid to help with your needs. Resilience can also be experienced in the community. And, what is more, within you is the Spirit of God, who intercedes on your behalf. This is why Jesus tells the story “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Prayer cultivates perseverance. You can find it within yourself to keep going, even when it seems that all odds are stacked against you. When we talk about being resilient and having the strength of character not to give up, being resilient can be done individually by encouraging yourself. Resilience manifests itself individually and collectively. It can be grown or developed, like a muscle. Resilience is the strength of character to keep going even when we encounter challenges. To the contrary! This parable is about those characteristics of resilience that develop when we decide never to give up, even in face of the insurmountable obstacles before us. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue justice diligently as God’s ambassadors of mercy and peace. But, ultimately, this parable reminds us we must trust that God will bring about God’s justice on the earth. Thus, many do not trust in the justice system to provide the justice we seek. Recent events have shone an even brighter light on the disparities in experience of law enforcement and the justice system that flow along racialized lines. Some of us may have experiences of the justice system analogous to the persistent widow. The woman in this parable represents what it means to be a positive example of the persistence required of believers in prayer. Digging Deeper: Resilient Prayer for Justice in Luke 18 She was persistent in her pursuit of justice. She was resilient and she was faithful to what she believed in. She goes before the unjust judge with her petition over and over, not taking no for an answer. The widow in this parable functions as a model for discipleship with respect to persistent prayer. However, her marginalized status did not stop her in her pursuit of justice. Most widows were targets of oppression and fraud. As a widow, she was one of the marginalized in her society. Men were the ones who would do that kind of work on behalf of their families. It would be uncommon for a widow during this time to be able to advocate for herself. When the husband died, a widow was left at the mercy of relatives and the eldest son to provide for her. He knows that life involves disappointment, loss, injustice, and persecution-all very good reasons to give up and lose hope! But a life attuned to God’s presence, justice, and goodness is a life that can endure.Īccording to Mosaic law, judges were to give special attention to widows, primarily because of their dependence upon men. He shows them the importance of persistence and resilience. Jesus uses this parable to teach his disciples never to give up. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1 (NIV) Introduction to the Parable of the Persistent Widow

We come to you, O God, day and night, seeking your face and longing to hear your voice.

Bible study on prayer for women