The Unjust Judge (Lk 18-1-8)
Prayer:
O Lord Jesus, let me cry out to you day and night.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with His disciples.
Context:
This parable speaks of two people – the widow and the unjust judge. This unjust judge is a complete opposite of God. He has no interest in the destitute widow, and he feared no one.
The parable is a reverse image, portraying what God is not like. God wants to intervene. We must pray always. The final sentence about “finding faith on the earth” is very important. Does the disciple persevere in trusting God?
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus told his disciples a parable on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart.
“A judge in a certain city did not fear God or man. A widow in that city begged him ‘Give me a just decision against my adversary.’
For a long time, he would not do so. However, he eventually thought, ‘I do not fear God or man. However, this widow bothers me. I will give her a just decision lest she wear me out.’
Jesus said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God do justice to his chosen who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them’? I say that He will give them swift justice. But, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The dishonest judge has every bad quality. He has no fear of God, no fear of man and is totally corrupt.
- He is the total opposite of the compassionate Jesus who wept over human suffering.
- The unjust judge’s personality contrasts with the Heavenly Father who will always correct injustice.
- The suffering, the persecuted and the poor must do one thing. They must “cry out to God day and night.”
- Their deliverance is assured. The justice will come quite unexpectedly.
- The question is, “Does the person persevere in trusting God even when the trial continues?”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, you are not an unjust Judge. You are a compassionate Saviour.
- I will cry out to you in all my trials.
- Teach me incessant prayer. I will lift my heart to you “day and night.”
- You will come. You will not delay. You will give me “swift justice.”
- I will gather with others. We will “cry out” together.
- O Jesus, even if you do not seem to answer, we will persevere in faith.
- When you come, I will be watching.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own)
+ I will not let trials discourage me. I will cry out “day and night.”
+ In faith, I will await God’s “surprising answer” to my trials.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Will God be slow to answer those who call out to him day and night?