Sunday 17 October 2010

Background

The writer of Luke's Gospel introduces Jesus' parables (storieswith meanings) by giving them settings suggesting how they shouldbe interpreted or, in this case, telling the reader what theparable is about beforehand. In contrast, the writer of Matthew'sGospel usually reserves his 'explanation' for the final sentence ofthe parable. In both cases, the interpretation appears to beeditorial - ie given by the writer rather than Jesus.

We are told at the beginning of today's passage that this parableis about the need to keep on praying. Several of Jesus' parablesmake comparisons between human behaviour and God's way of working:if even a human father behaves in a loving way, then how much morewill God act lovingly towards God's children.

Today's parable belongs to this category. Jesus was not commendingthe 'unjust' judge. On the contrary, Jesus made it clear that thejudge was neither respectful of God nor of the people he wasserving. The parable simply made the point that if even a judgelike this eventually dispensed justice, so all the more would Godlisten to the voice of people crying out to God.

There is, however, a deliberate contrast between the judge and God.The judge acted out of self-interest - "so that she may not wear meout by continually coming" (or, more graphically, "so that she maynot finally come and slap me on the face"). There is noself-interest motivating God's actions. God acts out of thecharacter of grace, responding to those who do not deserve it. Thatis why this passage has been chosen to illustrate this week's themeof 'Gospel Grace'.

To Ponder

What do you think is the relationship between'justice' and 'grace' in the way God responds to your actions?

In what practical ways can you seek to reflectthis balance in your own human relationships?

What experience do you have of grace? Ofunconditional, undeserved love?