“Jesus wants His disciples to have a consistent and constant prayer life; in other words a regular and persistent prayer life that flows from faith which is grounded in the truth that God is our heavenly Father.”

Main Structure / Outline:

1. The purpose of the parable (verse 1)
2. The Parable (2-5)
3. The lesson of the parable (5-8a)
4. A sober question (verse 8b)

Key Words / Phrases

• Pray/prayer; elect; faith.

How does this passage fit in the whole book?

Luke presents to us Jesus and His mission in the earth which was to inaugurate God’s kingdom (Luke 17:21). And this passage shows us the necessity of prayer between Jesus first and second coming when He will finally establish God’s kingdom forever.

How does this passage fit in the whole Bible?

The Bible mainly the NT clearly establishes for us that Jesus Christ will come back (Matthew 25:1-13; Act 1:10-11; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Revelation 22:12). And as believers wait for Jesus, they are called to persevere until the end (Matthew 24:13; James 1:12). And this passage shows us that we need to wait for Jesus prayerfully.

How does this passage point to Christ and the Gospel?

Verse 7 points us to Christ and to the gospel. God in and through our Lord Jesus Christ made justice and became the justifier of those who believe in Christ, namely the elects (Romans 3:21-26)

Application for Christians

• Our faith in Christ is also demonstrated in our prayer life.
• We are call to wait and persevere in prayer while we wait for our Lord Jesus’ second coming (Rev 22:17).
• Do you long for Jesus second coming?

Application for Non-Christian

• When Jesus comes again there will not be time for prayer (for repentance) anymore. This is the time to pray (for repentance)
• Only God can and will justify those who by faith and repentance come to Jesus (namely, the elect)
• Jesus is not late. He is patiently waiting for you to repent and believe in Jesus (2 Peter 3:9). Do not presume upon God’s patience. He is coming back no longer as a savior but as a judge.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever felt that God is like this crusty old judge? Why is a proper view of God essential (see Gen. 3:1-7)?
2. Is it right to pray once in faith and drop the matter, knowing that God will answer? Do we need to keep bringing it to Him?
3. How can someone who has gone through awful trials maintain his or her faith in God’s loving care?
4. How is the doctrine of election an important practical truth in times of delayed answers to prayer?
5. What does Jesus mean by His last question (18:8b)? Is it directed toward His disciples, toward the world, or both?