The Need For Prayer And For Humility

EARLIER, when he was in Judea, Jesus told an illustration regarding the importance of being persistent in prayer. Now, on his final trip to Jerusalem, he again emphasizes the need not to give up in praying. Jesus is probably still in Samaria or Galilee when he tells his disciples this further illustration: "In a certain city there was a certain judge that had no fear of God and no respect for man. But there was a widow in that city and she kept going to him, saying, 'See that I get justice from my adversary at law.' Well, for a while he was unwilling, but afterward he said to himself, 'Although I do not fear God or respect a man, at any rate, because of this widow's continually making me trouble, I will see that she gets justice, so that she will not keep coming and pummeling me to a finish.

Jesus then makes the application of his story, saying: "Hear what the judge, although unrighteous, said! Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them?

Jesus does not mean to imply that Jehovah God is in any way like that unrighteous judge. Rather, if even an unrighteous judge will respond to persistent entreaties, there should be no question that God who is altogether righteous and good, will answer if his people do not give up in praying. So Jesus continues: "I tell you [God] will cause justice to be done to them speedily."

Justice is frequently denied the lowly and poor, whereas the powerful and the rich are often favored. God, however, not only will see to it that the wicked are justly punished but will also ensure that his servants are treated justly by giving them everlasting life. But how many people firmly believe that God will cause justice to be done speedily?

Referring especially to faith related to the power of prayer, Jesus asks: "When the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on earth?" Although the question is left unanswered, the implication may be that such faith would not be common when the Christ arrives in Kingdom power.

Next time: Conclusion of The Need For Prayer And For Humility

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991