Sunday 21 October 2007

Background

Son of Man - what is this phrase about? It is a title that Jesusoften uses about himself in the gospels. It is a phrase that couldmean 'just an ordinary person', but the title is also used inapocalyptic literature to describe a heavenly leader, suchas Daniel7:13. Here it is probably being used by Jesus to link togetherhis earthly ministry, suffering and death and the future when hiswork is fulfilled.

This is one of those parables that is found only in Luke's Gospel.It follows some teaching from Jesus about the future, the coming ofthe Son of Man.

The judge's character is the opposite of what it should be. A judgeshould be just. A judge who does not fear God is the opposite ofthe ideal. The widow is a contrast to the judge - she representsthose who need protection.

What was happening to those who first read what Luke has writtenhere? They were being persecuted. The experience of these earlyChristians was that things weren't happening as fast as theyexpected. Despite all this, they are being asked: will they remainfaithful, even when things don't happen as they hoped?

The purpose of the story is not to suggest that God is like thejudge, but to point out the contrast. If this judge, who doesn'tnormally act justly, responds to the widow, will God do anyless?

To Ponder

What happens when you get no answer to yourprayer? Do you lose heart?

God will grant justice to those who persist. Howcan you work with God in this?