Welcome to Week 10 of He Gave Us Stories, our series based on the parables of Jesus. You know that a message series has hit the big time when it reaches double digits, so we hope you have enjoyed this one as much as we have in creating it.
Let’s be clear: There IS no better storyteller than Jesus, because everything he told us is both true and vitally important for us to hear. It’s so incredible to think each week that we are actually talking about stories that the infinite God, Creator of the universe, who loved us so much that he died in our place so we could live forever with him, wanted us to know. THAT is why we love parables.
This week it’s the parable of the Persistent Widow and the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. We’re in Luke chapter 18 and one interesting feature right off the bat is Luke starts each parable by telling us what it’s about. It’s interesting to read a story knowing what you’re supposed to get from it, but you can imagine that it’s a bit constraining when you’re trying to build a 5-day devotional from it. That helps explain why Day 1 of this week isn’t really about this specific parable at all, but it’s about the value of repetition as it applies to the Holy Scriptures. Let’s get started!
Prayer guides by Tracy Lautenschlager.
Index to Days 2 through 5
Day 1
Repetition is Theological Glue
Observe
The first parable this week is about praying always and not losing heart. That was of course a major point of LAST week’s parable, too. Repetition happens constantly in God’s communication with us. Let’s consider why.
Mark 8:14-21
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Psalm 119:11
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Matthew 4:4
4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Job 23:12
12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
1 Peter 2:2-3
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
James 1:23-25
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
The title for today’s meditation is something one of my professors at Florida Bible College, Rev. Bill Butterworth, used to say. But he didn’t say it when I was a student at college. He said it to me (and a couple thousand others just like me) at youth camp. Even as kids we needed to know—God repeats himself. Over and over, he will tell us the same thing. Why? Because those things are important for us to know and remember. For example, God tells us more than 300 times in the Scriptures not to be afraid. Think about it! That’s nearly once each day for an entire year.
In our text today from Mark’s gospel, that conversation happened just after the disciples listened in as the Pharisees argued with Jesus, demanding he prove himself by giving them a sign. It is said Jesus “sighed deeply in his spirit.” The constant demand to prove himself by doing miracles was the exact opposite of faith and it was only by faith you could find the salvation Jesus offered. When the disciples took his warning about leaven to worry about a lack of bread, Jesus reminded them that TWICE he had performed a miracle of feeding thousands from just a small amount of food. How many times would he have to repeat the same miracle before they understood that the sovereign Lord can provide for our needs, so we can stop worrying about that?
- If you love a book, you might re-read it sometimes, but we’re told to read God’s word daily. Do you read from the Bible each day? If not, what keeps you from it?
- What is the value of memorizing scripture or at least becoming familiar with where the Bible says certain things? When can this help us?
Father God, Thank you for your patience toward me when I am so slow to learn. How wonderful is your word that it tells me over and over, in ways that touch my heart and mind and pierce through my stubbornness, about your character and your gospel. Every night as I lie down to sleep, remind me that you laid down your life for me. Every day when the sun rises, I will praise you, my risen Lord. Teach me today, perhaps again, what I need to learn from your Word. Amen.
Day 2
Give Me Justice
Observe
A widow had been wronged and she came to a judge looking for relief. She was following the rules.
Luke 18:1-3
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
Romans 12:12
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Colossians 4:2
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
A judge who neither feared God nor respected man? Wow, that’s just the kind of person you’d want deciding whether you would receive justice or not. That’s sarcasm, of course, but it sets up the facts of this parable. You have a protagonist, this widow, and she was seeking justice. By choosing a widow, Jesus wants you to feel sympathy for her plight. Widows suffered in that society, their futures were uncertain at best. By saying she sought justice, Jesus wants us to feel indignant on her behalf. She wasn’t looking to profit from whatever harm had been done to her, she just wanted what was right! Then we have our antagonist, a judge who simply doesn’t care. We’re told that the widow “kept coming to him,” which means he didn’t give her what she deserved. How unfair! If you’re not pounding the table on behalf of this widow, you should be. She was being forced to wait for justice because of a man who was indifferent to her needs.
- What should we do when faced with injustice, whether to ourselves or others?
- What makes us lose heart in seeking justice?
Heavenly Father, The thought of justice can be a scary thing, because if you had meted out justice to me, rather than mercy, I would be destroyed. But in this story, the widow was simply seeking fairness, not mercy. She was seeking something to which she was entitled. Lord, strengthen me not to lose heart in this world full of injustice. Don’t let me become numb to the effects of injustice, and show me where you would have me step in. I know you will redeem this world and restore peace and justice; use me in that, I pray. Amen.
Day 3
Give Me Faith
Observe
Jesus flips the story and gives the reason why we should not lose heart when seeking justice.
Luke 18:4-8
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
James 5:7-11
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Luke 17:26-30
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all— 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
The judge changes his mind and gives the widow what she seeks, and he does this for a reason that’s entirely consistent with his selfish character. He wants to avoid being worn down by her persistence. What does this mean? Is the correct response to injustice is to seek justice and keep seeking it until you get it? If you have something you’re praying for, just keep praying long enough and you will get what you want. Not so fast! Certainly Jesus wants us to keep praying, but Jesus is making the point that the judge, who he calls unrighteous now, acts in accordance with his character. And so will God. So…don’t lose heart. The people of God waited in the Old Testament for justice, sometimes for centuries. The people in the time of Jesus were waiting for the Messiah to come conquer their enemies. (The Messiah had indeed come and he would conquer the hardest of all enemies: sin and death. Furthermore, he will come again and at that time bring justice to the earth.) Jesus ends not by asking “will he find people are still praying,” but rather “will he find faith on the earth?” This parable is about persistence in prayer, yes, but even more about not losing heart when you pray. Trust the character of God. It may not be today, or even in your lifetime, but have faith because he will answer.
- When you don’t get what you pray for, how does that affect your perception of God’s character?
- Why does knowing God’s character strengthen our faith?
Dear Lord, Grow within me the seed of faith you have planted. You are God over all, and you have named me – even me – as your own child! As I recall the teachings and stories of your faithfulness from scripture, grow that faith in me. As I remember each time you have answered my prayer, let me grow in faith. As you give me, each day, what I need, help me to see that the provision is from your hand, and help me to trust you more. Amen.
Day 4
I Love Me Some Me
Observe
Jesus immediately tells a second parable warning against being self-righteous and treating others with contempt. Up first: the Pharisee!
Luke 18:9-12
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
Proverbs 30:12
12 There are those who are clean in their own eyes
but are not washed of their filth.
Matthew 5:20
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 16:15
15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
The title of today’s meditation comes from one of the most “love him or hate him” sports stars of all time: former NFL player Terrell Owens. Terrell played for several teams during his career and he wasn’t too careful about which ones (or maybe he specifically chose to go between teams who were arch rivals). As a result, he was often playing for a team whose fans had grown to hate him in a different uniform. His shouted line, tossed up at the stands, was to remind them (and maybe himself) that as long as he loved himself this was all that mattered to him. The Pharisees were not stupid men, in fact they were some of the smartest men of their time. They had to know people didn’t like them, but as long as people respected them and acknowledged them as better at keeping God’s law than everyone else, they were happy. And, they were better at keeping the law. To put it in contemporary terms, if you have a Pharisee for a neighbor, you know they’re not going to let their hedges get overgrown or park a car on their lawn, but you also know they’re going to turn you in to the homeowner’s association for leaving your trash can out at the road too long. Pharisees did all the right things outwardly but with zero humility and they denied the darkness in their hearts. The Pharisee in today’s text was right. He was not an extortioner or an adulterer, and he was nothing like the tax collector. He was also doomed.
- Do you believe that people are basically good?
- Has the present day emphasis to love yourself exactly as you are brought about a generational denial of our sinful nature? Why or why not?
Dear Jesus, Self-righteousness can creep in so easily. If I remember honestly, I know that I have thought myself better than others at times. I have looked at another sinner with judgment, when I am no better. I confess that, Lord. Reveal it in me; cleanse me each day of self-righteousness. Remind me of how badly I needed your mercy and of your patience with me. Thank you for withholding your judgment of this world for a time, so more people, people as I was, can turn to you in faith. Amen.
Day 5
God Be Merciful To Me
Observe
The tax collector, too ashamed to even approach the temple, sought mercy from the only source where it may be found.
Luke 18:13-14
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 5:8
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
Romans 3:20
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Romans 4:5
5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
Jesus chose a tax collector as the second character in this parable for a good reason. They were some of the most corrupt, hated people of their time. These were Jews employed by the Roman authorities to collect taxes. The amount to collect was fixed by those authorities, but tax collectors could demand any amount they wanted and keep the excess for themselves. To enforce their demands they had the might of the Roman military behind them. There is no more contemptible behavior from one Jew to another. If you stopped 100 Jewish people on the street in the first century and asked them “Who inherits eternal life? A Pharisee or a tax collector?”, the result would be 100-to-zero in favor of the Pharisee. The people might not have liked Pharisees and their boasting, but they respected the Pharisees as keepers of the law and they hated tax collectors with every fiber of their being. Yet Jesus said the tax collector found mercy, justification, and exaltation. That is the result of true humility that leads us to God, bringing nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Salvation is not some process of working together with God to make an improved human that’s worthy of eternal life. Salvation is a divine transformation of a sinner that knows they have no hope apart from Jesus, who passes from death to life by grace through faith, and out of love from a grateful heart strives to die to their sinful human nature so they might live in accordance with their new nature that comes from God alone.
- Why do some treat Christianity as if it were a self improvement program, renovating us into better versions of ourselves?
- Was it easy or difficult for you to admit your need for Christ to save you? Why?
Dear Jesus, You know my sins. I was lost and hopeless without you. Apart from the work of your spirit, I could not have chosen to do any good. But when, like the tax collector, I prayed for mercy, you answered. You had already made a way for me. You died and rose again to save me, and I am so thankful for my salvation. Now Lord, help me to give my life to you each day to use for your kingdom and your glory. Amen.