The Parable Of The Persistent Widow

Late Winter, c. 33 AD

The Parable Of The Persistent Widow

As the journey through the Perean wilderness continues, Jesus has delivered a powerful parable to His disciples to show them that they must always pray and not lose heart. He told the story of a vulnerable widow who continually petitioned an unjust judge for legal protection. Though the judge did not fear God or respect man, he eventually granted her request simply because her constant pleading was wearing him out.

The Master used this stark contrast to highlight the character of God. If an unjust judge will bring about justice due to persistence, how much more will a loving, righteous Father bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night? As the darkness of the cross approaches, this teaching fortifies the disciples for the trials ahead.

"Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart."
— Luke 18:1 (LSB)

Timeline Box: This teaching is grouped in the travel narrative of Luke 18, occurring during the late winter weeks preceding the final arrival in Jerusalem.

Exilic Era, 561 BC

Jehoiachin Of Judah Lifted Up From Prison

In a stunning reversal of fortune in the heart of the Babylonian Empire, the new King Evil-Merodach has shown unexpected mercy to the captive King of Judah. On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, Jehoiachin was released from his prison cell, given new garments, and granted a seat of honor at the king's table. This historic act ensures the survival of the Davidic line in exile.

"And it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon... lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison."
— Jeremiah 52:31 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Jeremiah 52:31 explicitly dates the release of King Jehoiachin to the 25th of Adar.

Mosaic Era, 1405 BC

Joshua Assumes Command After Moses

With the mourning period for Moses underway in the plains of Moab, Joshua the son of Nun has officially taken up the mantle of leadership. Filled with the spirit of wisdom, he is beginning to organize the officers of the tribes, ensuring the camp remains disciplined as they prepare for the monumental task of crossing the Jordan River into Canaan.

"Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as Yahweh had commanded Moses."
— Deuteronomy 34:9 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Joshua took command in the late winter/early spring following the death of Moses.

Editorial: Persistence In The Waiting

Waiting is one of the most difficult disciplines of the faith. The widow had to persistently bother the judge; Jehoiachin had to wait thirty-seven years in a Babylonian prison before his head was lifted up; and the nation of Israel had to wait forty years before Joshua was finally commissioned to lead them into the land.

Jesus knew that His followers were about to enter a season of intense waiting and persecution following His departure. His instruction is simple but profound: do not lose heart. When the prison feels permanent or the wilderness feels endless, we must persist in prayer, trusting that the true Judge will execute justice in His perfect time.

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