Luke 18:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Behold, a lack of shame in the presence of others is a clear indicator of profound wrongdoing. Many do not hold a reverent fear of God and instead feel humiliation before people, which leads them to commit fewer sins. However, the individual who loses all sense of shame before others has reached the pinnacle of iniquity. Thus, the Lord also later remarked, “and was not ashamed of men,” implying that this judge did not fear God. Yet, what does it mean that he did not fear God? It signifies an even deeper level of wickedness, as he showed no shame before humanity.

This parable reassures us that God listens to the prayers of those who come to Him with genuine devotion and unwavering persistence, rather than carelessly or indifferently. Just as the persistent pleas of the wronged widow swayed the unjust judge, who had no regard for God or concern for people, leading him to grant her justice even against his will, how much more will the One who delights in mercy and detests wickedness respond to His faithful followers? He is ever ready to assist those who seek Him earnestly day and night and will surely bring justice for His chosen ones.

What a profound degree of injustice and malevolence resided in that sinful judge! Conversely, how immense were the compassion and faithfulness in that just judge! Due to his wickedness, he refused to defend the widow, and his malevolent nature led him to disregard her well-being. Yet the truth of God is capable of seeking out the lost, and His compassion is poised to restore and uplift. Thus, the injustice of this judge stands in stark contrast to the truth of God, and his detestable malice opposes the gentle mercy of God. His unrighteousness was ruthless, as he turned away from the reverence due to God, and his audacity was egregious, for he scorned the honor of humanity.

In the Gospel, what is the significance of the unjust judge and the widow? The evangelist refers to the natural law as the unjust judge, which, due to wrongdoing, has become hardened and lacks shame before God and humanity; the widow represents a soul that is bereft of virtuous deeds. If the soul embraces repentance, it compels the natural law to relinquish the unnatural by persistently engaging in ascetic practices and self-denial. Therefore, the evangelist suggests that if the mind, through steadfast and relentless prayer, can reach the divine, then certainly God is more inclined to listen to those who earnestly call out to Him with sincere petitions and unwavering resolve.

He had no reverence for God, who orders that the wronged be protected, and he felt no humiliation before people, who criticize those in authority who ignore the plight of the afflicted.

This individual, having drawn the faithless from all corners to himself, will start to persecute the saints, viewed as adversaries by those who do not believe, as indicated by the apostle and evangelist. The unjust judge, who does not revere God and shows no respect for humanity, is undoubtedly referred to by the Savior as Antichrist, the offspring of the devil and a tool of Satan. When he governs, he will begin to elevate himself against God, genuinely lacking fear of the Almighty and demonstrating no shame before the Son of God, the ultimate Judge of all.

In this mention of times of hardship, the Lord recognized the necessity to encourage His disciples by assuring them that their affliction would be brief. God will soon safeguard His elect, but they are called to persistently seek Him in prayer. He shared with them a parable illustrating how relentless appeals can compel even unjust individuals to fulfill the wants of those who ask, despite their reluctance.

The aim of this parable was to instruct the disciples that they should consistently pray and not become discouraged, even amidst the significant tribulations that the Lord had predicted would arise at the conclusion of both the Old and New Testament eras. If an unjust man, who neither revered God nor cared for others, was able to grant the persistent plea of a widow, how much more will the compassionate and righteous God safeguard His elect who call upon Him day and night for assistance during the trials that will occur before the arrival of the Son of Man? Although He might seem slow to respond, He uses these moments to test their faith and reliance on Him. The Lord reassures His followers that He will indeed provide protection to His faithful ones, and swiftly.

The Parable of the Unjust Judge demonstrates Jesus' instruction to persistently pray and remain steadfast in faith. In this story, a destitute widow approached a judge who neither revered God nor respected people, repeatedly seeking his help against the unjust actions of her adversary. Despite her continual appeals, he initially ignored her. Eventually, wearied by her persistence, the judge decided to grant her request to avoid further annoyance.

The impoverished whom He proclaimed the good news to, the blind whom He restored sight, the ill whom He healed, and the lost whom He searched for and redeemed all gathered around their loving Shepherd and compassionate healer with heartfelt and exuberant appreciation. He provided hope and blessing in every conceivable manner to those who are weary and laden. Through the parable of the persistent widow, He illustrated the necessity of faith and demonstrated that steadfast, devoted prayer is bound to be rewarded.

In a certain city, there was a magistrate: as prescribed by the Mosaic Law (Deut. 16:18 ff.), Israel was to appoint judges and leaders in every town to ensure justice for those seeking it, acting without pretense and guided solely by the truth (cf. Ex. 20:6-9, Lev. 19:15). During the time of the Lord, such judges existed (cf. Matt. 5:21, 22), and it is plausible that the figure of the unjust judge reflects realities of the time, as judges, both righteous and unrighteous, were present everywhere. The nature of this unjust magistrate is succinctly described: ‘He did not fear God, nor was he ashamed of men’.