Parable of the persistent widow
The parable of the persistent widow, found in Luke 18:1–8, teaches about persistence in prayer and trust in God's justice. This parable is deeply connected to God's sovereignty, the perseverance of believers, and the assurance of His promises.
The Parable Explained
The parable tells of a widow who repeatedly pleads for justice from a judge who neither fears God nor respects people. Though the judge initially refuses, he eventually grants her request to avoid being worn down by her persistence. Jesus contrasts this unjust judge with God, who is perfectly just and faithful to His elect. The parable concludes with a rhetorical question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8).
The Reformed Perspective
God’s Sovereignty and Justice
This emphasizes that God is not like the unjust judge. Unlike the judge, who grants the widow’s request out of selfish motives, God is a righteous and loving Father who delights in answering the prayers of His people (Matthew 7:11). His sovereignty assures believers that He will bring about perfect justice in His time. As the parable highlights, the elect can trust that God will “give justice to them speedily” (Luke 18:7–8). While this may not always align with human timetables, God’s timing is perfect (2 Peter 3:8–9).Persistence in Prayer as a Response to Grace
The widow’s persistence reflects the emphasis on the believer’s response to God’s grace. Prayer is not a means of earning favor but an expression of dependence on God, who has already secured His people’s salvation through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). The parable encourages believers to persist in prayer, not to convince God to act, but to align themselves with His purposes and grow in faith.The Elect and Assurance of God’s Justice
This highlights the parable’s reference to the “elect” (Luke 18:7). This term reflects God’s sovereign choice to save His people by grace alone, apart from any merit. The elect are assured that their cries for justice are heard because they are chosen and loved by God. Their ultimate vindication is guaranteed, not by their persistence, but by God’s covenant faithfulness (Romans 8:33–34).Eschatological Focus
The parable carries an eschatological theme, pointing to the final judgment when God will fully establish His justice. The question, “Will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8), serves as a challenge to remain steadfast in faith as believers await Christ’s return. This emphasizes the perseverance of the saints, affirming that those truly in Christ will endure in faith until the end (Philippians 1:6).
Application in the Christian Life
This parable encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and justice, even in the face of delayed answers to prayer or apparent injustices in the world. Persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down but about living in dependence on Him and growing in faith as we await His promises. Ultimately, the parable reassures believers that God hears their cries, will bring justice, and will remain faithful to His elect for His glory and their good.