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Luke 18:1-8
With thanks to page sponsor:
Calvin Haines,
First United Methodist Church of Evanston, Ill .

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • III.XIV.3, IV.XXVII.4, IV.XXXIII.11, V.XXV.4, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • IV.36, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter XXXII, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter XI, Scorpiace,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • Epistle VII -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250)
  • On the Unity of the Church, Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250)
  • Epistle LXXIII -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 256)
  • From the Geneva Notes. (c. 1599)
    • "God will have us to continue in prayer, not to weary us, but to exercise us; therefore we must fight against impatience so that a long delay does not cause us to quit our praying."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "The widow's earnestness prevailed even with the unjust judge: she might fear lest it should set him more against her; but our earnest prayer is pleasing to our God."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "This and the following parable warn us against two fatal extremes, with regard to prayer: the former against faintness and weariness, the latter against self confidence."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Prayer is a privilege and a duty."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • "Weary Faith," Glenn Monson, Law and Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
  • Commentary, Luke 18:1-8, Meda Stamper, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "The parable of the widow’s persistence is introduced as a parable about prayer and not losing heart, then moves into a story about justice, and ends with a question about faith."
  • "Beaten, Battered and Burned before I am Helped," Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder, ON Scripture, 2013.
  • "Impunity and Persistence," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
  • "The Power of Persistence," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "What if we applied the same principles we apply to getting customer satisfaction to seeking justice for ourselves and others?"
  • "The Persistent Widow and the Heartless Judge," Nancy Rockwell, Bite in the Apple, 2013.
  • "The Relentless Widow," Lia Scholl, The Hardest Question, 2013.
    • "Is this how God really works?"
  • "Do Not Lose Heart," Christopher Burkett, Preacher Rhetorica, 2013.
  • "Faithfulness and Prayer in the Realm of God," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Pentecost +22, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • "Pester, Pester, Pester," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "Where Is the Outcry?" Anne Howard, The Beatitudes Society, 2013.
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • Comentario del San Lucas 18:1-8, Manuel Villalobos Mendoza, Working Preacher, 2013.
  • Commentary, Luke 18:1-8, David Lose, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "In what way is God like an unjust judge?"
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 22, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "...it is missing the mark if we treat the passage as a general teaching about intercessory prayer. It is primarily about the yearning for change."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "The message about persistent prayers for justice comes out of this text, but I find that most believers -- especially when they are in difficult situations -- need little encouragement to continue to pray day and night...What I think is more common is the lack of faith among those for whom life is going well."
  • Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
  • "Prayer Saves Lives?" Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2010.
    • "So, is Jesus really saying that persistent prayer equals faith and that faith will save me from being snatched away?or being left behind?"
  • "Justice," David Lose, WorkingPreacher, 2010.
    • "Who could be against justice, right? I mean, come on, if there's one thing that the law and prophets ? not to mention Jesus ? would seem to agree on, it's justice. So who could be against it? As it turns out, from time to time, I am."
  • "Why God Doesn't..." Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
    • "The irony of the story in its context is that the widow would have no rights and she certainly would not have access to a judge in a formal procedure of law. So her crying out for justice is in fact a parody..."
  • Comentario del Evangelio, San Lucas 18:1-8, Gilberto Ruiz, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
    • "Además de que en él Jesús ora con frecuencia y en puntos claves de su vida (Lc 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28?29; 11:1; 22:41, 44), el Evangelio de San Lucas contiene dos instrucciones importantes sobre la oración."
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "In God's kairos, injustice is dealt with through cross and resurrection--not on the merits of the case, in other words, no matter how good those merits may be, but rather on the basis of Christ."
  • "The Widow and the Judge," Mark Vitalis Hoffman, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, CrossMarks Christian Resources. The Parables of Jesus - to learn & teach, to share & discuss, to re-imagine & re-present.
  • Luke 18 Parables, a telling and performance criticism analysis of the Unjust Judge and Persistent Widow and the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18 by Tim Coombs, member, Network of Biblical Storytellers Seminar.
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 17:11-19, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "while God's response is always immediate that justice be done, the actual realization of God's response is not necessarily immediate because justice has to be done justly, and with the willing cooperation of all concerned."
  • "The Sermon We're Not Going to Preach," Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2010.
    • "Jesus challenges us by juxtaposing God?s desire for justice (the presence of the kingdom in our midst) with the possibility that, when Jesus returns, he may find that nothing has changed."
  • "Ask Boldly, Live Justly," Lizette Merchán Pinilla, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2010.
  • A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Gospels, Luke 18:1-8, Andy Doyle, 2010.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "If Such a Judge, How Much the More God," The Politics of God: The Way to the Cross, Eugene C. Kreider, Texts in Context, Word & World, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1986.
    • "Here Jesus reveals his freedom to act for the program of God's Kingdom, giving a lesson for those who have been ensnared by their own pride and possessions."
  • Wellspring of the Gospel, Ordinary 29, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
    • "What can you do to make sure that Jesus will find faith on earth when He returns?"
  • "Patient Waiting," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "Have you ever had a prayer answered after a long period of waiting? Have you ever prayed for something, only to give up when the prayer wasn't answered? What happened in each case? How does patience affect your prayer life?"
  • "The Widow and the Unjust Judge," Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries.
    • "Do YOU think Jesus will find faith on the earth when he returns? Why or why not?"
  • "Piety, Persistence, Penitence and Prayer," a study from the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "The parable of the persistent widow is occasioned by the fact that Jesus? coming will not be immediate but that it will occur later on in time."
  • "The Parable of the Widow and the Judge," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
• Articles & Background:
  • "The Unjust Judge," wikipedia.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bruckner, James K., "Justice in Scripture," Ex Auditu, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Curkpatrick, Stephen, "Dissonance in Luke 18:1-8," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Curkpatrick, Stephen, "Parable Metonymy and Luke's Kerygmatic Framing," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dawn, Maggi, "Prayer Acts," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Felder, Cain H., "The Bible, Black Women and Ministry," Journal fo the Interdenominational Theological Center, 1984/85.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Goetz, Ronald, "On Petitionary Prayer: Pleading with the Unjust Judge," The Christian Century, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Harris, Mark, "Do Not Lose Heart," The Christian Century, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hinson, E. Glenn, "Persistence in Prayer in Luke-Acts," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kreider, Eugene C., "The Politics of God: The Way to the Cross," Word & World, 1986.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mitchell, Curtis C., "The Case for Persistence in Prayer," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1984.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Penny, Donald, "Persistence in Prayer: Luke 18:1-8," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Reid, Barbara E., O.P., "Beyond Petty Pursuits and Wearisome Widows: Three Lukan Parables," Interpretation, 2002. (See also, "Parables," issue focus of Interpretation 56.3 (2002).)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sellew, Philip, "Interior Monologue as a Narrative Device in the Parables of Luke," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Weaver, Dorothy Jean, "Between Text & Sermon, Luke 18:1-8," Interpretation, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Zimmer, Mary, "A Fierce Mother and a Widow: Models of Persistence," Review & Expositor, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Whose Persistence?" The Rev. Dr. Robert Dunham, Day 1, 2007.
  • "Keeping Heart, Trusting God," the Rev. Mark Sargent, Day 1, 2004.
  • "Pushy in Prayer," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily, 2004.
    • Ordinary 29, 2010
    • Ordinary 29, 2007
    • Ordinary 29, 2004
    • Ordinary 29, 2001
    • Ordinary 29, 1998
• With Children:
  • "Persistence in Prayer," children's sermon, coloring page. Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons 4 Kids.
  • "Untangling Grace," Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • "Persistence in Prayer," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "'One Down! One to Go!'" children's story by Larry Broding, word-sunday.com.
• Drama:
  • "At the Bench," Jim Hatherly.
  • "The Judge and the Widows," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Justice for Carmen," Glenn A. Hascall, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Luke 18:3, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 18:1-8, Luke 18:1-8 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Luke 18:1-8, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Luke 18:1-8 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Proper 24C/Ordinary 29C
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke

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