Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Deeper Dive

The parable demonstrates the importance of persistent and consistent prayer. It compares God’s eventual granting of justice to the way an uncaring judge eventually gives in to the widow’s pleas due to her persistence. This suggests that God, being just and caring, will certainly respond to those who remain faithful in their prayers. Verse 2 specifically notes that the judge “neither feared God nor had respect for people,” indicating that he was unjust and lacking in compassion. The character of the judge is crucial to the story, representing a stark contrast to God, who is just and responsive. Despite the judge’s indifference, justice is still served due to persistence, underscoring the reliability of divine justice through prayer and perseverance. In verse 8, Jesus poses the rhetorical question, “And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This emphasises the teaching’s concern with maintaining faith amidst trials. The question highlights a deeper, introspective inquiry into faith and commitment at the time of the Son of Man’s return. It warns of a spiritual challenge and encourages believers to maintain unwavering faith and endurance in their spiritual journey. The question highlights a deeper, introspective inquiry into faith and commitment at the time of the Son of Man’s return. It warns of a spiritual challenge and encourages believers to maintain unwavering faith and endurance in their spiritual journey.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.”

Deeper Dive
Paul writes to Timothy, reminding him of the lessons learned from childhood through Jewish Scriptures, demonstrating their value for wisdom and salvation via faith in Jesus. This teaching roots Timothy firmly in Christian doctrine, underscoring the value of early religious education. Historically, the letter emphasizes scriptural authority, crucial because of rising false teachings at the time, a theme deeply embedded in Paul’s pastoral concerns. The verse expresses the comprehensive nature of Scripture in shaping the believer’s faith and practice. “Inspired by God” indicates divine revelation, implying reliability and authority. This positions the Scriptures as foundational tools for discerning moral and ethical guidance, underscoring the theological view that Christianity is grounded on divinely imparted truth, equipping the believer holistically. Paul’s charge to Timothy is unwavering commitment to preaching, emphasising adaptability to all circumstances. It underscores pastoral resilience, hinting at persecution and encouragement of the faithful. Here, preaching is foundational to sustaining Jesus’ message, asserting the transformational power of patient and persistent teaching amid trials—themes central to Pauline literature and pastoral responsibilities.

“When Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim, Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some men for us and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’ So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side, so his hands were steady until the sun set. And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.”

Deeper Dive
In this passage, Moses symbolises intercession and faith in God’s power. The physical act of holding up the staff was a tangible manifestation of spiritual reliance. This narrative teaches the importance of support within faith communities, illustrated by Aaron and Hur maintaining Moses’ arms. The battle is a historical event serving both as a literal and metaphorical demonstration of Israel’s dependence on divine assistance. Aaron and Hur facilitate Moses’ role as an intercessor, underscoring the value of cooperation and community support to fulfil God’s purposes. Their action is a vivid reminder of the assistance believers require from each other to maintain faith and effectiveness. This partnership illustrates God’s invitation for teamwork in his divine plans, recognising human limitations. Joshua’s leadership in battle introduces him as a formidable captain and faithful follower of God’s mandate given through Moses. His obedience contributed to Israel’s victory, serving as a prelude to his future leadership. The passage illustrates how divine insight and human action work concurrently—that God ordains leaders whose actions align with His intentions.

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Deeper Dive

The parable demonstrates the importance of persistent and consistent prayer. It compares God’s eventual granting of justice to the way an uncaring judge eventually gives in to the widow’s pleas due to her persistence. This suggests that God, being just and caring, will certainly respond to those who remain faithful in their prayers. Verse 2 specifically notes that the judge “neither feared God nor had respect for people,” indicating that he was unjust and lacking in compassion. The character of the judge is crucial to the story, representing a stark contrast to God, who is just and responsive. Despite the judge’s indifference, justice is still served due to persistence, underscoring the reliability of divine justice through prayer and perseverance. In verse 8, Jesus poses the rhetorical question, “And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This emphasises the teaching’s concern with maintaining faith amidst trials. The question highlights a deeper, introspective inquiry into faith and commitment at the time of the Son of Man’s return. It warns of a spiritual challenge and encourages believers to maintain unwavering faith and endurance in their spiritual journey.