1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:1-8 KJV)
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
This parable has its key hanging at the door; its meaning is stated at the beginning. Christ gave it to teach that people ought always to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). It assumes that all God’s people are praying people; they maintain both regular and occasional communication with Him, seeking Him daily and in times of need. Prayer is both a privilege and a duty. We are to pray always—it is a daily necessity.
We must continue in prayer and never give up until it is replaced by eternal praise. The focus here is on persistence in praying for spiritual blessings, whether for ourselves or for the church. In seeking strength against spiritual enemies—our lusts and corruptions—we must be persistent in prayer, for we will not seek God’s face in vain. The same applies when praying for deliverance for God’s people from their persecutors and oppressors.
Christ illustrates the power of persistence through a parable showing how even an unjust man can be moved to do what is right. He gives an example of a just cause succeeding before an unjust judge, not because the cause was right, but because the woman was persistent.
The judge in a certain city had no fear of God or regard for people. He had no concern for his conscience or his reputation and felt no obligation to do right by God or man. Such irreligion and injustice are terrible in anyone, but even worse in a judge, who should be governed by justice and righteousness. Wickedness in the place of judgment is one of the worst evils under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:16).
A poor widow had to appeal to him because she was being wronged by someone who sought to overpower her. She had right on her side and persistently asked the judge to do her justice: “Avenge me of my adversary.” She didn’t seek revenge but simply wanted the wrongs made right. Widows often have many adversaries who take advantage of their vulnerability, and magistrates are charged not only not to harm them (Jeremiah 22:3), but to defend them (Isaiah 1:17), for God himself is their protector (Psalm 68:5).
At first, the judge ignored her. He paid no attention to her cause and allowed her adversary to continue the injustice. She had no bribe to offer or influential person to advocate for her. He admitted to himself that he neither feared God nor cared about people. It’s a sad state when someone is aware of their faults and yet refuses to change.
Eventually, he gave in: “Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice so she doesn’t wear me out with her persistence” (Luke 18:5). She continually pleaded—at his door, in the streets, and in court—until he relented. Her cause triumphed not because of its merit, but because she refused to give up.
Christ uses this as encouragement for God’s people to pray with faith and persistence. He assures them that God will be gracious to them in due time (Luke 18:6). Hear what the unjust judge says: he gave in to persistence. So, won’t God avenge His own elect?
There is a people in the world who are God’s chosen, His elect, and His actions toward them reflect this choice. They suffer trouble and face many adversaries, especially Satan. What they seek is God’s protection and preservation—of their lives and of His work in them.
God’s people must cry out to Him day and night. He doesn’t need persuasion, but He has commanded persistent prayer and promised mercy. Like Paul, who prayed three times for deliverance (2 Corinthians 12:8), we should earnestly ask God to mortify sin in us and to help us resist temptation. We should pray for the suffering church and plead for justice. We must be earnest and constant—believing that our prayers will eventually be answered. God tells us to give Him no rest (Isaiah 62:6-7).
They may face delays. God may seem to wait before answering. He is patient toward the adversaries and also tests the patience of His people. He delayed judgment on Egypt while hearing Israel’s cries. So too, He may delay deliverance. Yet mercy will come, as the unjust judge’s concession shows. If even he gave in, how much more will God respond to His elect?
This widow was a stranger to the judge, but God’s people are His chosen. She was alone; God’s people are many, united in prayer (Matthew 18:19). She approached a judge who pushed her away; we come to a Father who welcomes us and teaches us to call Him “Abba, Father.” She faced an unjust judge; we approach a righteous one (John 17:25). She came on her own behalf; we pray for what God Himself is invested in—His church and His name. She had no advocate; we have Christ, our intercessor, who always lives to plead for us. She had no promise of success, but we are promised, “Ask, and it shall be given.” She had limited access; we have access day and night. Her persistence annoyed the judge; ours pleases God, for the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Still, Jesus warns that despite these assurances, people will grow weary of waiting (Luke 18:8): “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” The Son of Man will come to avenge His elect, whether in providence (such as the destruction of persecutors) or at the final judgment. But will He find faith when He comes?
This implies a strong “No.”
It is on earth that faith is needed—sinners in hell believe too late, and saints in heaven enjoy the fulfillment of what they believed. Faith is what Christ looks for—not outward forms, but true faith. He notices even the weakest believer.
Still, when Christ returns, there will be little true faith. Few will be genuinely godly. Many will have the form of godliness, but not its power. There will be little faithfulness (Psalm 12:1-2). Even at the end of time, this will remain true. The last days will be perilous.
Few will have faith in His coming. When He comes to help His people, He will find little trust in His promise (Isaiah 59:16; 63:5). He may delay His help so long that the wicked scoff, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). His delay hardens them in sin (Matthew 24:48). Even His people may despair and think He has forgotten them (Isaiah 49:14; 40:27). But when the appointed time comes, it will be clear that human unbelief has not made God’s promise useless.