A Persistent Widow and a Humble Tax Collector

Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 18:1-14.

In order to encourage His disciples to pray always without losing heart, Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow. Though the judge cares neither about God’s law nor man’s opinion, he gives the widow the justice she desires due to her constant petitioning. In contrast to the unjust judge, the true God is righteous. He loves His elect, and He will surely answer their prayers because He is their heavenly Father. Jesus’ question about finding faith invites each individual to examine themselves for the faith that Jesus commends in His second parable. To those who trust in their own righteousness, Jesus speaks about a Pharisee who prays with pride and a tax collector who prays with humility. While the Pharisee is brought low in his pride, the tax collector receives the mercy and justification from God for which he pleads.

“The Beloved Physician’s Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.