SCRIPTURE: Luke 18 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: Luke 18 paints an encouraging picture of petitionary prayer, but one that may also be misconstrued if not listened to carefully. In verses 1-8 Jesus talks about a persistent widow who so relentlessly pleas with a corrupt ruler that he finally gives in and grants her request for justice. Sometimes this passage has been said to mean that when we want something we should be constantly praying day and night till we get it. Though consistent repeated prayer can be a very good thing that is not really Jesus’ point here. Instead, this is a call to faithful prayer and petition to God. When we pray, we should understand that we pray to a God who a) has the ultimate power to deliver us; and b) is caring and just, unlike the unjust judge. When Jesus comes again, will he find us praying in faith? Or will our prayers be half-hearted, or even non-existent, as we try to depend on ourselves instead of a good and powerful God? The blind beggar in verses 35-43 understood this as he called out again and again “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He knew he was calling to someone who was listening, and someone who was powerful. Jesus was indeed listening and able to save him! 

CHALLENGING TERMS: This simple teaching on being like children has many different facets to it. One of these facets is that to enter the kingdom of heaven, we must put aside all the “adult” concerns and worries that would prevent us from following God. This is seen in the story right after as the rich ruler who comes to Jesus wanting to follow him, but is hindered by the “adult concern” of losing all his wealth. Only those who have a childlike dependence on and love for God could easily say “Alright, take it all God!” and let go of what any ‘level-headed’ adult would deem indispensable. 

REFLECTION: In your prayers, do you feel more like the persistent widow (annoying a God who’s not really listening or caring) or the blind beggar (crying out to a God who is caring, listening, and mighty)? 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that you indeed grant us justice speedily, and that in all things we can pray to you in faith and trust you