-THE PEREAN MINISTRY

-Jesus Teaches Regarding Prayer

-Luke 18:1-14

-vs 1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow

            -In this parable, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of persistent, patient

             prayer.

            -“The application...presents a triple antithesis:  I. In the petitioned - a just God and an

             unrighteous judge.  2. In the petitioners - a despised widow and the beloved elect.  3. The

             petition - the frequent visits of the one, and the continual cries of the many” (McGarvey/

             Pendleton, pg 535).

            -“The main truth of the parables” [this parable under consideration and the parable of the

             friend at midnight - Luke 11:5-13- rc] “is, however, that if men can get what they want

             through shameless begging, certainly a loving heavenly Father will grant the requests of

             His children” (Lightfoot, pg 74).

            -Prayer is a powerful tool that God has provided to us.  Yet, we must understand that God’s

             answers may be very different from our expectations.  He may say “no.”  He may say “yes.” 

             And, He my say “wait.”  So, we “ought always to pray, and not to faint” (vs 1).

-vs 9-14 - The Prayers of the Pharisee and the Publican

            -There were those present who “...trusted in themselves        that they were righteous, and

             despised others” (vs 9).  To them, Jesus delivered this parable.

            -“It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and

             conclusion (see vers 14) show that it is intended to set forth generally the difference

             between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because

             it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 536).

            -In regards to the Pharisee, Lightfoot noted, “By the cheap method of making others look

             bad, he made himself look good.  But he was the loser, for he was blinded to his sinful

             self” (pg 143).  Obviously, the publican revealed a very humble attitude through his prayer,

             “God be merciful to me a sinner” (vs 13).

            -The main point:  “everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles

             himself shall be exalted” (vs 14, NASB).