UNIFORM LESSON FOR July 15, 2018
Scripture passage and lesson focus: Luke 18:1-8
Although the idea of a merry widow has been imaginatively portrayed in modern music, literature and film, the truth is that for most widows life is anything but merry. Although many women who have lost their life partner manage to find ways to live very satisfying and meaningful lives as widows, widowhood often brings financial and emotional struggles.
In the first century when the Gospel of Luke was written, it was difficult (if not impossible) to find a merry widow. Society then was even more strongly patriarchal than it is today, and according to biblical commentator Fred Craddock, widows were “an image of helplessness in that culture and easily victimized by the powerful.” Therefore, this parable about a persistent widow’s appeal to an unjust judge is truly remarkable. The parable Jesus tells holds up this widow as a positive example for Christians who might have been tempted to give up rather than persist in their faith.
Luke 18:1 — The need to pray
In his Gospel, Luke placed the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge immediately after Jesus responded to a question from the Pharisees about when God’s reign would come. Jesus told them that the reign of God is among (or within) them and that the Son of Man would undergo suffering and rejection before the reign of God would be revealed.
Luke clearly states his reason for including this parable, which is not found in any other Gospel. He says it is intended to remind believers to be constant in prayer and not to lose heart.
Luke 18:2-3 — A woman pleas for justice
The protagonist in this parable is a woman who presses for justice. The wrong done to her is not specified, but she persistently presses the judge for a fair decision in her case. “Grant me justice,” she begs repeatedly.
This widow was up against two difficult adversaries: the person who had wronged her and the unjust judge. The judge was not a religious person. Luke tells us he did not revere God. Furthermore he lacks any empathy or respect for people. By virtue of his position, this callous judge possesses the power and the widow has none. Her apparent weakness does not deter her. In fact, it may have increased her determination.
Luke 18:4-5 — A judge relents
The unjust judge continues to ignore the widow’s pleas… for a while. He was well aware of his own lack of piety and failure to care about the welfare of the people he judged. For a selfish reason (his own peace of mind) the judge is eager to get rid of this irritating woman. According to Luke, the judge uses a phrase from the boxing world when he says literally, “lest in the end she punches me in the face.” The quickest way to remove her from his courtroom was to grant her petition. So that is what he decided to do.
Luke does not need to provide his readers with the details of judge’s decision. The only point he wants to make is that this widow’s persistence paid off. The weary judge did not want to hear another request from the persistent widow.
Luke 18:6-8 — Will faith persist?
Jesus adds his interpretation to this parable. It comes in the form of a typically rabbinic style of analysis that draws a conclusion by relating something lesser to something greater. In this case, the judge’s unjust indifference and late response to a widow’s plea is a lesser reality than the greater reality of God’s supportive and constant love for believers. If a callous and unbelieving judge finally did grant justice for the widow, certainly God will vindicate the pious and elect believers who persist like the widow.
For discussion: What factors in the late first century may have influenced Luke to include in his Gospel a parable that was intended to emphasize the believers’ need for prayer and courage? How would you answer the final question of this passage: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Does the brave persistence of the widow in this passage provide a valuable role model for women today? For men?
