What Jesus Did : Luke 18:1 - Never Give Up
by Phil Ware
Never Give Up - Luke 18:1
Then Jesus taught the followers that they should always pray and never lose hope. Jesus used this story to teach them: (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Jesus had two points he wanted to impress into the hearts of his disciples. First, he wanted them to be dedicated to prayer and have it as a constant part of their lives. Second, he wanted them to know that they must never give up, no matter what the circumstances might be. While Jesus makes his points clear, why did he feel the need to tell a story? The answer is pretty straightforward. Stories help us remember. They connect to a different place in our hearts and in our heads rather than just saying the main point. Finally, Jesus used stories from everyday experience so that the sight or experience of something similar would bring his teaching back into the forefront of their thoughts. So the next time you hear about a Bible teacher or preacher who tells too many stories, remind the folks of the Master Storyteller—Jesus!
Today's Prayer
Father, thank you for Jesus' ability to put your truth into everyday stories. Thank you for the truth that they carry and the power they have in our memories. Thank you for giving so much of your truth in Scripture in the form of stories. Most of all, dear Father, help me to never give up as I seek your will, your presence, and your help through prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Then Jesus taught the followers that they should always pray and never lose hope. Jesus used this story to teach them: "Once there was a judge in a town. He did not care about God. The judge also did not care what people thought about him. In that same town there was a woman. Her husband was dead. The woman came many times to this judge and said, 'There is a man that is doing bad things to me. Give me my rights!' But the judge did not want to help the woman. After a long time, the judge thought to himself, 'I don't care about God. And I don't care about what people think. But this woman is bothering me. If I give her what she wants, then she will leave me alone. But if I don't give her what she wants, she will bother me until I am sick!'" The Lord (Jesus) said, "Listen! {There is meaning} in what the bad judge said. God's people shout to him night and day. God will always give his people what is right. God will not be slow to answer his people. I tell you, God will help his people quickly! But when the Son of Man comes again, will he find people on earth who believe in him?"-- Luke 18:1-8 (ERV)
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