Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
Luke 18:1-8
1. And he spake also a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to grow weary:
2. Saying, There was a judge in a city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. 3. And there
was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice on my adversary. 4. And he
refused for some time, 322 but afterwards said within himself, Though I neither fear God, nor regard
man, 5. Yet because this widow is troublesome to me, 323 I will do her justice, lest by coming
perpetually she weary me out. 324 6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7. And
will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him night and day, even though he forbear with respect
to them? 325 8. I tell you that he will speedily avenge them. But when the Son of man shall come,
will he find faith on the earth? 326
We know that perseverance in prayer is a rare and difficult attainment; and it is a manifestation
of our unbelief that, when our first prayers are not successful, we immediately throw away not only
hope, but all the ardor of prayer. But it is an undoubted evidence of our Faith, if we are disappointed
of our wish, and yet do not lose courage. Most properly, therefore, does Christ recommend to his
disciples to persevere in praying.
The parable which he employs, though apparently harsh, was admirably fitted to instruct his
disciples, that they ought to be importunate in their prayers to God the Father, till they at length
draw from him what He would otherwise appear to be unwilling to give. Not that by our prayers
we gain a victory over God, and bend him slowly and reluctantly to compassion, but because the
actual facts do not all at once make it evident that he graciously listens to our prayers. In the parable
Christ describes to us a widow, who obtained what she wanted from an unjust and cruel judge,
because she did not cease to make earnest demands. The leading truth conveyed is, that God does
not all at once grant assistance to his people, because he chooses to be, as it were, wearied out by
prayers; and that, however wretched and despicable may be the condition of those who pray to him,
yet if they do not desist from the uninterrupted exercise of prayer, he will at length regard them
and relieve their necessities.
The parties between whom the comparison is drawn are, indeed, by no means equal; for there
is a wide difference between a wicked and cruel man and God, who is naturally inclined to mercy.
But Christ intended to assure believers that they have no reason to fear lest their persevering
entreaties to the Father of mercy should be refused, since by importunate supplication they prevail
322 “Et par un temps il n’en voulut rien faire;” — “and for a time he would do nothing in it.”
323 “Pourtant que ceste vefue me donne fascherie;” —”because this widow gives me annoyance.”
324 “Et me rompe la teste.”.
325 “Combien qu’il il differe de se courroucer pour eux; ou, et aura-il patience quant a eux?” — “Though he delay to be
offended on their account; or, and will he have patience in reference to them?”
326 “Pensez-vous qu’il trouve foy en terre?” — “Do you think that he will find faith on the earth?”
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John Calvin