Our gospel text is unique to Luke. Jesus is speaking to the 12 disciples, though throughout this entire section, the Pharisees are still within earshot.
So, they are over-hearing his every teaching. And they are probably listening pretty intently to his every word. And again, probably they have more ulterior motives. Like entrapment!
This is all about “the impending doom” of the crucifixion-death-and-burial. Jesus is telling them a parable about the need to “pray always” and to “not lose heart.” They are supposed to connect the dots.
Jesus is attempting to “prepare them” as best as he is able for “what is to lie ahead…”
He is hoping they are listening, following along, understanding and “getting it!”
The point is – no matter what happens you keep on praying…non-stop, even if you feel your prayers are not being answered. Even if you think your prayers are not being heard. Pray anyways. Continue praying. Do not cease to pray. And never lose heart.
Trust. Believe. Have faith. Keep hope alive. God is in charge, not us, not YOU. Pray with everything that is within you. Keep on praying…be relentless, if need be.
The widow in the story is persistent. She is relentless. She does not give up. In spite of the fact that “all the cards” are “stacked against her,” she continues on…
She does not back-down. She does not give up. She does not give in.
The caricature of the “unjust” judge – as neither fearing God nor caring about what people think – sets up a sharp contrast to that of God’s character which is both caring and just.
The moral of the story as told by Jesus is NOT about the judge “finally responding.”
Rather the moral is about the widow’s persistence for justice – “during the long period” of the judge NOT RESPONDING and giving to her any kind of indication that he ever would.
She is relentless the entire time.
She will not be defeated. She will not give up. She will be granted her justice. She will not be beaten.
Nor is this a parable about justifying our (or anybody else, for that matter) being “PIG HEADED.” Yes, some of us can be very stubborn, sometimes. Some of us can be very pig-headed. YOU know who you are!
Being “pig-headed or stubborn” is NOT the same thing as seeking justice…
The widow’s persistence is praised – because it is “persistence for justice.”
In the Greek translation of this text, the “unjust judge” says, “I will avenge her, so that she might not come and give me a black eye unto the end.”
The English does not translate very well.
The Greek word used here – comes from the “world of boxing” and refers to “striking someone under the eye.” So therefore, “give me a black eye” is not only faithful to the original Greek language, but also it paints a rather startling and humorous picture of the poor widow actually battering and pummeling this powerful judge.
I tell you, she is not about to give up!
What is even funnier is that “she will give me a black eye unto the end.” (Which means to say, her desire for justice just may make the unjust judge look bad—all the way through all eternity.)
She’s NOT about to give up, NOW or ever. Talk about sticktuitivenss…
So, when it comes to prayer…when it comes to your prayer life…be persistent. Do not give in or give up.
God hears, God knows, God sees. God knows what you need. God understands. He is nothing like the “unjust judge.”
The Gospel ends with a final question about: When Jesus returns – will “faith” be found on earth?
That’s kind of a personal question, isn’t it? Kind of private… Kind of between God and myself…
And yet, it seems we are supposed to answer this question or why is it there – hanging out at the end of the Gospel text as it does?
Now I can’t speak for you, and I cannot speak for the church, I can only speak for myself.
Not only are we to be relentless and persistent in prayer, but in our lives of faithfulness, as well.
We are meant to be faithful til the end.
So, to answer that final question, “yes” there will be faith found on earth, as long as I am here.
You need to speak for yourself. The Gospel text anticipates an answer…so what do you say?