The Gospel of Luke: Jesus is for everyone – Don’t give up! Be proactive and persistent until Jesus returns

Luke 18:1-8

Luke 18 is a continuation of Jesus speaking about His second coming. Jesus said we should always pray like the widow and not give up. He did not want us to be defeated in prayer. Jesus is looking for disciples who are ready for battle (Ephesians 6:10-20). He wants Christians who will stand strong in prayer whatever the opposition may be. He wants us to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

Jesus says:

1. Be like this widow – A widow in Jesus’ day was totally vulnerable. They had no husband, no rights and probably no income. God made special rule in the Old Testament to care and provide for widows. This widow was struggling against a corrupt judge and system. She had an adversary who was trying to take advantage of her. She was fighting for what was rightfully hers. She was bold and courageous and persistent. Jesus is looking for people like this widow to make a difference for Him.
2. Stand strong against injustice and corruption – In the law courts in Bible times the judge had sole power and authority. The judge would decide the outcome of a case between two adversaries. They were open to corruption. 2 Chronicles 19:7 gives clear instructions for judges, but Jesus tells us that this judge “neither feared God or cared what people thought”. This judge symbolises everything that is opposite to what God is like. We will all encounter people like this judge until Jesus returns. We need to be different and distinctive as Christians. We need to be equipped with the full armour of God.
3. God is the God of justice and righteousness – God is the complete opposite of this unjust judge. He is in complete control and is the Soveriegn Lord God Almighty. He is the perfect judge. His judgements are guaranteed to be just, right, true, merciful and compassionate. God cannot deny Himself, He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). God can be totally trusted to always get His judgements right. Jesus promises that God will bring about justice for His chosen ones (vs 7). Be persistent in prayer, call out to the Lord in prayer day and night until we receive a breakthrough. We may not get an answer immediately, but we need to keep persisting. God will answer, but in His time and not our time. In the Greek, Luke 11:9 says “keep on” asking, seeking and knocking.