Tag: Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 17:11-18:14

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

As Jesus continues his journey toward Jerusalem, he encounters people from all walks of life—outcasts, disciples, religious leaders, and ordinary men and women. In Luke 17:11–18:14, there are various stories and teachings involving miracles and parables where Jesus calls people to deeper trust, genuine gratitude, and humble prayer.

Trust and Thankfulness

This section of Scripture opens with Jesus traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee. Ten men with serious skin diseases (traditionally translated as “lepers”), who were shunned by society and desperately wanted mercy, call out to him from a distance, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:13). Jesus responds not with an immediate healing, but with a command: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they obeyed, they were cleansed. But while all ten were physically healed, one man (the Samaritan) displayed gratitude which brought him a deeper wholeness—spiritual as well as physical. Jesus tells him, “Your trust has made you whole” (Luke 17:19). The passage reveals that faith and thankfulness are both vital to experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing.

One helpful insight here is that trust often requires action before we see results. The lepers had to begin their journey to the priests while still unhealed. Their obedience was an expression of trust, and as they went, God’s power healed them. Trust, even as small as a mustard seed, has the power to move what seems immovable (cf. Luke 17:6).

Reflect: Where is God inviting you to trust him more, even before you see the outcome? How might cultivating a heart of gratitude open the door to God’s work in your life?

Persistence in Prayer

Jesus then tells the parable of The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), encouraging his followers to “always pray, and not become discouraged.” The widow’s relentless pursuit of justice before an indifferent judge is contrasted with God’s attentive care for his people. If even an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will God respond to the cries of his beloved children when they persistently come to Him in prayer?

The parable is about the necessity of persistent prayer and unwavering hope, even when answers seem delayed. Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find trust on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Our perseverance in prayer is an act of trust and also a testimony to our trust in God’s character.

Reflect: In what prayers do you need to be more persistent? What discouragements in your life can you bring honestly before God, trusting that he hears and cares?

Humility Before God

Finally, Jesus tells the parable of The Pharisee And The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14). The Pharisee stands confidently, listing his religious achievements and looking down on others. The tax collector, by contrast, stands at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes, but nonetheless, he prays: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus declares that it is the humble tax collector who goes home “righteous,” not the devout Pharisee. The reason Jesus gives is that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

This parable reveals that one must be humble when coming before God. Humility, openness, and a childlike posture are essential for receiving the kingdom of God (Luke 18:17). Our standing before God is not based on our prowess, devoutness, or accomplishments, but on our honest need for his mercy, because there is nothing we can do to deserve it.

Reflect: In what ways do you find yourself comparing your spiritual life to others? How can you approach God with greater humility and openness in your heart?

Encouragement

As you read these stories and teachings of Jesus, may you be inspired to trust in God more deeply, return thanks for His goodness and blessing, persist in prayer, and humble yourself before Him.

Jerry works on the REV Bible (revbible.com) as the chair of the REV Translation Committee and the lead NT translator. He also has a podcast on the Book of Proverbs called “Words of Wisdom” (stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast) that people can find on Spotify, Apple, Pandora, etc.