Widow and Judge 1

PARABLE OF WIDOW AND JUDGE

(Luke 18.1-8)

At a first reading, it would appear that the parable of the Widow and Judge is suggesting that, a nagging woman always wins! In other words, if Christians nag God enough in prayer, we will get what we want because, like any husband with a nagging wife, God just wants a quiet life.

Or to put it another way, God can be coaxed or coerced by man. In other words, man can manipulate God. Now we know that that cannot be true from our own experience. Perhaps we should go back to the parable and look at it again.

There are two characters in the parable. Firstly, there is the judge who is described as fearing neither God nor man.

Since all Jewish disputes were settled before elders or in arbitration between three judges, we can assume that the judge is not a Jew. He was probably a paid magistrate appointed by either King Herod or the Romans. Such men were well known for being open to bribery and corruption in their giving of justice. He who had money called the tune.

Secondly, there is the widow, symbolizing the poor and helpless. Since she was without resources of any kind, she was unable to offer a bribe to the judge in order to get a favourable judgment. Nevertheless, the judge does give in for he fears that her persistence will wear him out.

Jesus is not likening God to the judge, and thereby suggesting if one persists, God will give you what you want in order to have a quiet life. No. Jesus is contrasting God with the judge and saying that even if an unscrupulous judge finally gives justice, how much more will God be willing to give to his children. In other words, the parable is not meant to stimulate perseverance in prayer, but rather faith that prayers will be answered.

Jesus actually told two other parables with a similar message. Elsewhere he asks, 'Would any of you who are fathers give your son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or would you give him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? Bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask'. [Luke 11.11-13]

In the second similar parable, Jesus says, 'Suppose one of you should go to a friend's house at midnight and say to him, "Friend let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine who is on a journey has just come to my house, and I haven't got any food for him." And suppose your friend should answer from inside: "Don't bother me! The door is already locked and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything." Well what then? I tell you, that even if he will not get up and give you bread, because you are his friend, yet he will get up and give you everything you need, because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.’ [Luke 11.5-8]

My friends, do not be discouraged when you appear not to have your prayers answered. It is so easy to become depressed and disillusioned when, time after time, God appears not to answer your prayer.

Rest assured that even if an imperfect father will give a son what he wants, even if a householder is prepared to be inconvenienced by a friend, and even if an unscrupulous judge is willing to dispense justice, how much more will God answer your prayers in his good time and in his way.

The problem is not with God. The problem is with us. Our lack of faith. Our lack of trust. Our lack of patience. And our lack of self confidence in the power of prayer.